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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 19
Chapter Title: Dwarves, Orcs, Elves, and Heroes
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"How in the world did you do it?"
The dwarf flailed his short arms and legs like a freshly caught fish.
His wide-eyed, childlike gaze was so pure it made you want to crush it.
"The Mana Ghost I created connected to the tower's core! And it's changed like this!"
"I thought dwarves got attached to their own creations?"
That was why Berge had expected Roger to grumble about it.
"That's not the point right now. This is a massive breakthrough, isn't it?"
"It went from being limited to the first floor to spreading throughout the entire tower."
"I designed and built it to run on mana as fuel, but some unknown force changed the power source."
"And then it suddenly hides the whole tower? I've never even heard of such a thing."
"How did you do it? No, what even is this tower?"
Roger unleashed a barrage of words like a machine gun. It was the complete opposite of the sullen, passive demeanor he'd shown since being kidnapped.
"Did you really think the Demon King's tower would be ordinary?"
"Of course not, but this is truly astonishing. I'm dying to know what principle allows it to change like this."
"So?"
"Pardon?"
"So, what are you getting at?"
"W-Well... if it wouldn't be too much trouble, could I just take a quick peek? A very quick look at the machinery and the tower? N-No, investigate it?"
His resolute tone made it clear refusal wasn't an option. It was the brightest expression he'd shown since being brought to the tower.
'Madness?'
It was the look Berge had seen in battle-crazed demons. The obsession was different, but the intensity was much the same.
There was nothing new about a dwarf getting curious over a mysterious artifact he'd just encountered.
"Don't you have work to do first?"
Roger flinched.
"The hero is closing in. Soonest estimate: one month. Latest: three."
According to Granada's reports, they were advancing at a steady pace, so barring any major incidents, they'd arrive in two months.
A long time if it was long, short if it was short.
"Can you finish it to those specs within that timeframe?"
"I can. No, I will! I stake my hero's honor on it!"
"Weren't you barely even thinking about that in the first place?"
"Then I'll stake anything! So, please..."
"Fine. Meet the deadline, and you can have what you want. But no problems with the machinery or tower."
"Of course!"
Roger nodded vigorously. The designs were already complete, and the restriction against using mana had been lifted.
He could build it. No, he would build it.
Madness gleamed in the craftsman's eyes.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
'That energy absorbed far more demonic energy than expected and triggered changes beyond imagination.'
The tower couldn't pinpoint exactly what it was.
But Berge had a good guess.
'Dimensional interference.'
The force that weakened invaders.
And strengthened heroes.
The first time he'd met Roger, the dwarf had been forging the princess's weapon.
He'd been weak as a hero, but his hammer strikes packed power. Mana had danced under his blows, infusing the weapon.
'I don't know much about it myself, but people said mana surged whenever I swung my hammer. That's why I invented the Mana Ghost to conceal it.'
Hearing the backstory convinced him. Roger lacked power as a hero, but all that interference had transferred into his smithing.
His skill and passion had earned him top fame in the kingdom, but he couldn't deny the hero's strength played a part.
"This might actually be a good thing..."
He'd hesitated because Roger was a hero, but now it felt like an advantage.
"What's good about it!"
Gordon suddenly shouted.
"We need to smash that ridiculous Mana Ghost eyesore right now!"
"Why?"
"Why? Isn't it obvious? The Demon King's tower should stand taller and prouder than any building. It must exude presence and majesty as demons—as the Demon King. Hiding it? Ridiculous!"
Because that's what demons do. That's what Demon Kings do.
But Berge scowled at the obvious logic.
"You know, I'm getting annoyed responding to your whining every time."
"..."
"I get demonic pride, but look at our situation. Think we could hold off the heroes without this?"
"...No."
"Right. I call people who chase ideals without solutions idiots. I'd appreciate it if you didn't make me call you one."
"..."
"If you still object, bring a demonic plan I can accept."
I'm no fool who rejects the Standard just to spite it.
Berge whispered.
He hadn't been like this before. Wonder why he suddenly turned idiot.
Even spouted nonsense.
'Don't make me call you an idiot.'
He already had.
Gordon bit his lip.
"...I'll bring one. Definitely."
Demonic pride.
Top graduate's ego.
Both ignited.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Berge ran several experiments.
"Closing the door drastically reduces mana leakage."
He'd thought it was total cutoff at first, but not quite.
Still, its effectiveness in concealing purer spirit mana was undeniable.
"And stealth."
There were various types of stealth.
Hiding presence entirely.
Fooling sight with illusions.
Blending into nature.
The tower's stealth via Mana Ghost achieved all three.
Erasing its presence.
Blending into surroundings with illusions.
It was still basic, with some awkwardness, but as the tower grew and interference on Berge lessened, it would perfect itself.
"Can't use it recklessly, though."
20 demonic energy per second was no joke. Unless efficiency improved or it was dire, he wouldn't dare.
"Oh, right. I had a promise to keep."
Remembering his deal with the princess, Berge opened the tower's storeroom for the first time in ages. The three spiritual herbs he'd acquired lay there unchanged.
"...Tch."
Steeped in faint demonic energy, some had taken on a purple hue.
It was intentional, so not bad. But he'd promised Ernyan one, so in current circumstances, not ideal.
'No helping it.'
He'd have to leg it again.
To get full effort from those given key roles, he had to deliver on promises.
Berge descended to the fourth floor.
"Heading out?"
"Promised you a spiritual herb, so I keep my word. The ones here are tainted with demonic energy—you can't use them."
Humans could use demonic energy. Black mages existed, after all. But to spirits, it was pure poison.
"Great!"
Ernyan excitedly donned her outfit. They left the tower with Roger's send-off.
"Trying a different direction this time."
Fortune smiled: clear skies. He sent Ernyan's wind spirit ahead.
Footprints from one demon and one human marked the snow.
"Mind if I ask something?"
"Perfect timing. I was curious about something too."
"You first."
"Why accept my offer?"
"You wanted it, right?"
"I did. But I thought you'd refuse."
He'd pondered endlessly. Still couldn't fathom it.
Why the princess accepted. Why she'd throw away rescue chances.
"For the spiritual herb."
"Valuable, sure, but as Hildran's crown princess, you'd have had them already."
"More is always better, though?"
"Not enough to make you antagonize your rescuers."
"Ah, too much?"
Ernyan shook her head. Berge gazed down expressionlessly.
"...If I just hate going back to the kingdom, would you buy that?"
"Got your reasons, huh?"
"Who doesn't?"
"Fair enough."
"Nothing else?"
"That's enough."
If there was a reason, fine. He didn't care about her family drama.
Just stay cooperative as a hostage.
"Your question?"
"Oh, right. What will you do if you capture the hero?"
"Worried?"
"He is here to save me, after all."
"Can't release him."
"I know. What you're doing is very different from other Demon King towers."
"Get to the point."
"Planning to make Hero Hillun Kagil your subordinate?"
Berge had tasked his kidnapper with decorating floors.
Kidnapped the dwarf hero for the first floor.
So maybe Hillun Kagil next?
"Why curious?"
"Never heard of a Demon King like that in centuries..."
Ernyan halted mid-sentence.
"Found it."
"Already?"
"But..."
She furrowed her brow.
"Guests already."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Opposite direction from before? They found the spiritual herb surprisingly fast—a good sign.
But prior guests? Not welcome.
Especially same unpleasant ones as last time.
Frost Orcs. A larger tribe than before had built a village around the herb.
Sentries visible between crudely woven wooden walls. Eyes met.
"...!"
The orc's pupils dilated. A blaring horn shook the village.
"Trouble."
"Fight?"
"Precedent exists—they might try twice."
Berge casually extended a hand. Flickering black flames incinerated the wooden walls instantly.
But.
"..."
"Whoa..."
No hostility or bloodlust greeted them.
No crude blades or filthy fangs.
"We greet the Demon King!"
"Demon King!"
Awe. Submission.
Dozens of Frost Orcs knelt, heads bowed to the ground. Worshipping Berge.
"...What is this?"
The lead Frost Orc raised his head at the question.
"We humbly beg: accept us as your kin, Demon King!"
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
"Granada. Impressive work from you and the Red Hawk Mercenary Corps."
Minor discord aside, the hero's procession progressed smoothly.
No demons or monsters meant fewer spoils, but it highlighted the heroes' greatness.
- The Demon King cowers before Hillun's might, not even sending demons.
- Nothing can stop the hero's march.
- This quest will succeed.
Thus, bandits dared not target them. Even stray monster packs stayed away.
Only occasional berserk beasts charged.
And in those skirmishes, the Red Hawk Mercenary Corps shone brightest.
Thanks to the elf Granada's sharp senses detecting monsters first.
Also the Demon King's order to build fame through feats.
Thus, Granada often interacted with hero Hillun Kagil.
"It's been ages since we had an elf like you."
"Is that so?"
"Elves are insular—treaties or not, they rarely leave their territories."
True for elves. And most non-humans. Instinct against leaving territory, but mostly avoiding human touch.
Granada saw no need to point it out.
"'Ages' implies you knew one before."
"Did. A comrade."
Hillun smiled bitterly.
"Gave his life for me. Helped slay the Lust Demon King, but..."
"Shouldn't have asked."
Granada apologized for the lingering melancholy.
"No, not a secret."
He missed the single teardrop that escaped.
"That friend led every Demon King hunt. Like you charging ahead of the mercenaries against monsters, like other elves. Seeing familiarity pulled me into nostalgia. Sorry."
"No need. Understandable."
"Thanks for understanding. Drink?"
"Sure."
Cups clinked.
Hillun laughed heartily.
"Here's to more cooperation. Feels like I can trust my back to you."
"Too kind."
Later talk was trivial.
"I'll head out."
"Yes, looking forward to more feats."
"Sure."
Granada exited.
Alone, Hillun's smile vanished like a shed mask.
"Right, elves are trustworthy. Elves."
Aren't they?
Mwah.
Hillun lightly kissed his ring.