There are no stars in the night's sky ... This is something that I realised only tonight. Although there is a big moon shining over this entire world with its silver rays, there are no other planets in sight.
Each star is a possible world. But the distances between the stars are enormous. This is why getting in touch with other species is so hard. This also means one more thing. This plane is in another dimension, maybe even in another time line ... Annoying!
Right now I am somewhere at about ten km away from the temple like building where I was summoned to this world. I sit on a cliff looking to the north, where the invading army should be.
With my current abilities, I could see an ant in a 5 km radius with the condition that there are no obstacles between me and my target. Unfortunately, it seems that the enemy is still quite far away as there are no lights in sight.
"It looks like I will have to get a little more serious ..." [Andel]
In the next second, on my right arm, a slight glow can be seen. Soon, the light starts materializing as a bracelet that looks to be part of my skin appears out of thin air. Its shape is that of a snake eating its own tail, almost entirely black in appearance, with ten dark - golden scales on its back.
This is one of my ten first generation Alpha type seals. I have five on each arm, and they help to contain a certain amount of my power.
I take a look at the seal, and after I assure myself that there are no flaws, I utter the magical words:
"Partial .... Release!" [Andel]
In that instant, one of the ten scales on top of the seal changes its colour from dark - gold to crimson starting to glow with a dim radiance. Energy begins to be released from my soul, which is the cage where all my powers reside, to every corner of my body.
In my eyes can be seen some strands of crimson here and there and the tip of my hair looks like it was soaked in blood.
Although releasing a single scale allows me to wield only 1% of the power of one Alpha type seal, it should be enough for dealing with some small fries.
I close my eyes and release my spiritual sense. Like this, I am able to move my consciousness away from my body to directly search for that annoying army...
North ... North ... North....
10 km ... 100 km ... 1000 km...
"Where the hell are they??? " [Andel]
After more than thirty minutes of searching, I finally find my target at about 4800 km away from the spot where I am right now. Quite a distance. A little farther away and I would have had to activate one more scale ... Still; they are a bit too far away to distinguish the details. It looks like I'll have to go there with a minimal amount of information on them. This is...
"Perfect!" [Andel]
My consciousness returns to my body, I rise to my feet and start running towards the enemy's base.
With only one scale activated I can't employ enough magical power to use flight, but that is not a problem. Running is good exercise once in a while. Furthermore, the target is only 4800 km away. With my current speed, it should take me less than an hour.
_______________________________
The morning sun can barely be seen on the horizon. Initially, I thought that in less than an hour I could make it to the enemy's camp, but I didn't take into account all the rivers that are on the way. Unable to fly I had to take a slight detour here and there. But I'm finally here.
From the looks of it, we are in the middle of a forest, but all the trees have already been cut down and used to create some mediocre houses.
At the first glance I can identify, away from the demon race, at least another twenty or so demy-human and beast races varying from Giants and Ogres to Manticores and Harpies ... By the looks of it, this is not a genuinely demonic army, just an amalgamation of species gathered together under a common banner.
On the ground, here and there, pools of dried blood can be seen ... But there are no corpses. This is most likely because they ate them. Although extremely difficult, a common strategy. Using enemies' resources to the limit to enhance and satisfy your own army.
'Click ...'
"The hell?" [Andel]
'Zoooo oooo Ooooz Zooo'
It looks like I stepped on some sort of alarm device. But still ... Are they actually deaf or what? That thing is so damn loud that it could awaken a celestial dragon from his million years slumber.
With a move of my left hand, I launch a little magic imbued projectile to the source of the noise – a simple magical formation nearby – wrecking it.
"Oh god, that was so damn annoying ... And ... I'm surrounded ..." [Andel]
They definitely took action fast ... But they are not attacking me ... This is kinda strange ... I mean, there is no killing intent or energy coming from me right now. In their eyes, I should look like a mere human. And still, they hesitate ... Why?
My question is answered in the next instant.
In front of me, a path is opened, and all the monsters, demi-humans, and demons around kneel in place.
From the back, four black ogres wearing heavy armours coated in magical formulas and symbols carry a big golden throne. It looks quite heavy, at least a few thousand kilograms. And from what I can sense it is made completely out of gold. Well ... After I kill this Maou , that throne will guarantee my living expenses for the next thousand years or so . Nice !
On top of the golden throne, a woman is seated with a smug look on her face . She looks to be around twenty years old , although , in this world , age is quite difficult to comprehend . Dark demonic eyes with green pupils , two short horns that start on her forehead and goes to the back of the head , long green hair with black stripes and a short revealing dress that enhance all the critical areas .
She seems to be the truly perfect . And she would actually be . But there is a question that I really want to ask her . For now, let's wait and introduce ourselves properly and then I can ask. No , I MUST ask it . This is too damn important to miss ...
"Hello, there ... You seem to be the so-called Maou that rules over this army . My name is ..." [Andel]
"Andel right ? " [Slutty Maou]
Eh ... She interrupted me ... But ... More importantly ... How the hell does she know my name ?
"Yes ... How do you know who I am ... And ... Have we ever met before ?" [Andel]
"I am Elenair Yllaqirelle . We've never met before , but I learned your name , appearance , the fact that you were summoned from the planet known as Earth , the fact that you didn't receive a divine blessing and some other details from someone that has met you in person . " [Elenair]
Ohh ... This is interesting ... From what Elenair said , the only explanation is that there is a spy somewhere in this country . She seems quite talkative . Let's press for some information then .
"So ... Elenair ... Who is this person that I've met before ? "[Andel]
It's quite a long shot, but she thinks that I'm just an ordinary human . This might be why she revealed so much information when we first met . She probably thinks that I will be killed here today and reveal some details is not that big of a deal .
"Do you remember a particular elf called Ellaine ? She is the queen of this poor little country , so obviously you know her ." [Elenair]
Success ... But still ... The queen ? ...
"Elenair , I must ask you ... Why would the queen of this country , an elf that is the natural enemy of demons , would ally herself with you ? " [Andel]
"Isn't it obvious ? She is not my ally , she is my slave . I bought her together with other hundred or so elven woman from a slave market in the 7 digits area . After that , 55 years ago I planted them in different positions within all the countries that I put my eye on to gather and bring me information . " [Elenair]
Slaves ... I really hate that word , but it seems to be something common in this world ... Still , at the beginning I thought her to be kinda stupid ... But from the looks of it , she is quite proficient in the art of war .
She might be strong and against her army this small country is helpless, but it is a known fact that even an ant can bite a lion when cornered .
At least the Queen is not a spy by her will ... After I deal with this women , I will have a proper talk with Queen – san that is going to be released from her slavery soon enough ...
Still ... There is one more question that I have to ask ... Ohhh .... There is a lot more useful information that I might get , but this is too important .
O.K. Let's do it !
"Elenair , may I ask you one more question, please ? " [Andel]
She gives me a short look and says in a monotone voice .
"Go ahead !" [Elenair]
Good ... My curiosity will finally be satisfied .
"My question is quite simple and straightforward . Elenair , I would like to know , which is heavier ..." [Andel]
I pause for a bit and look her directly in the eyes .
"You , or that throne ? " [Andel]
"Eh ... ?!? " [Elenair]