The Miltis Empire had gone beyond my expectations. The human kingdoms and I had increased the defence of our ocean borders in a bid to not allow the Miltis Empire to ever get a foot hold on our lands. After the incident in Sasren though all their key members escaped we gathered quite a bit of information from them. They were founded some 800 years ago on the East continent but only began expanding in the past three decades. Since then they had conquered the entire East continent and a large portion of the West continent. Currently you could say Miltis Empire was the ruling power in the rest of the world.
A map was laid out on a table inside the throne room. It was a map rarely seen in our lands and depicted the entire world. There existed four key regions, the East continent, West Continent, the Floating Islands and the High Continent. The High Continent is where we were and existed below the floating islands with the other continents on either side. Our family had on occasion gone to other lands but it was for only brief periods as the humans here and the Monster kept us busy most the time. As such we knew quite little about their customs or condition.
From our information the Miltis Empire were brutal in their methods and resorted to tactics that disregarded life to achieve their goals. With technology and magic superior to the countries around them they quickly took over massive amounts of land and by promising citizenship to those who became their soldiers were able to push further and further. This was a bit suspicious to me, even with that kind of power surely an allied force would have stopped them. There was something bigger contributing to their power.
By the time the East continent was fully conquered the West had already allied and managed to halt their invasion. With nowhere else to go, they looked towards our land and what would seem shortly after attacked Sasren. We thought we repelled them but in reality they had also launched an independent attack to the south in the Country of Iron. The one country that wasn't a part of the human kingdom's alliance. Without any word from them the Miltis Empire must have taken over and prepared their armies in secret. Although they hadn't attacked us demons, they had made it clear to Elsbeth and the Klerical Kingdom that they were enemies and were already capturing their border towns.
Most my Generals, the Heroes and my family stood around the table with grim expressions. Small wooden figures displaying their armies and a large transparent orb hovered above the table. The orb lit up and General Grim-tooth appeared,
"My Lord I have reached the border with our preliminary forces."
"How does it look?" I asked.
"They number over a hundred thousand and outnumber us more than ten to one. Our agents across the border have reported many casualties on the human side. What we see is only a portion of their troops. Their assault on the human kingdoms is by no means light. My Lord what of our borders?"
"Continue to gather your army. General Carter has already been dispatched to our sea borders. General Dragonmaw and Ever-bell will join you soon once we're done here. The others will remain on standby."
"What of my orders?" he growled with a toothy grin, "Shall I 'help' the humans?"
"No. Any actions on our part will cause more panic. When the time comes my family will take direct command of the battlefield."
"Understood." The orb view shifted and a messenger ran towards the General. "Hmm? I see...." He faced us again, "My Lord a message for you." He threw it at us and it popped through the orb.
I picked up the message. It was sealed with the Miltis Empire's emblem. There was no trace of magic on it but I still took care opening it.
"So that's how they want to play it," I smiled. "General Grim-tooth remain on standby. If anything happens contact us immediately."
"Yes my Lord," he bowed and the orb became clear again.
"Is it bad?" Alicia asked me from the other side of the table.
"Frankly yes, but in a way this could work to our advantage," I replied. "A common enemy will make it easier for the humans' to accept our friendship."
"So you are helping the Kingdoms?" Carl asked to make sure.
"Of course I am," I scoffed and grinned evilly. "Soon they'll be begging me to help them."
"…."
I cleared my throat, "Anyway, Lisanna are you there?" The orb lit up and she appeared. Behind her was Gilda.
"Hiya," she smiled.
"How's your side going?"
"The Klerical Kingdom opened up their barriers and allowed us to teleport in. My knights and I have come to support them but unfortunately so has my father and 'our' vanguard."
"And the other kingdoms?"
"They're also here. The Klerical Kingdom is barely hanging on with a defensive line. The leaders of all the Kingdoms are here in the Capital. Who knows the last time so many big wigs showed up in one place? If you want to cause chaos now's your chance."
I smirked, "Don't tempt me. We'll be there soon, inform them that the Heroes and I are coming."
"They'll be relieved to hear that." She looked at me seriously, "Do you actually have a plan?"
"Somewhat… Okay bye!" I turned off the orb before she could say anything else. "Father I leave things here to you." He nodded. "And as for you lot," I looked to the Heroes. "You're coming with me."
Inside the Klerical Kingdom Capital the leaders of all the major Kingdoms were in fierce debate. Elsbeth and the Klerical Kingdom who shared a border with the Country of Iron had lost a fair bit of land since the Miltis Empire's assault this morning. Their armies were ridiculous in size. No one kingdom had enough forces to repel the threat. Combined however they stood a fighting chance but by the time they rallied their armies together, the Miltis Empire may have already invaded too far for it to do much good. On the other hand, they also still had to face the threat from the demon side.
"We can't push forward anymore!" the King of Elsbeth scowled, "We don't have nearly enough men there. It would be suicide to leave the town."
"But if we don't attack now, they'll recover their troops and we'll lose our advantage," the Klerical Kingdom's King, leaned back in his chair and sighed.
"Hmmm but what of the Demons?" the Archmage peered over the map in the centre. He compared to anyone else in the room really did look the part. A large brimmed hat, robe to match and long grey hair. He oozed wisdom and a power that was hard to ignore. "The border troops are holding the line against the Empire. You are open for invasion Klerical King."
"Bah!" he laughed, "The Demon Lord would sooner waltz into this room now."
That was my cue. I kicked open the door with a grin. Today I was wearing my full outfit, mantle, red hair, horns and everything. The Heroes followed in behind me. The various Kings were shocked at our entry, nothing had indicated our arrival and all the knights outside were unharmed. Thanks to Lisanna we had gained entry easily, though I only put on my mantle just outside.
"It's the Demon Lord!" Lisanna spat in astonishment purposefully confirming my identity. A sword swept at me immediately but Carl blocked it with his own.
"Hold on, he comes in peace," Carl stared the familiar man.
"What's the meaning of this Carl? Have you betrayed us?" it was Captain Telius Rafhound.
"Put away your sword and we can talk this out," Alicia gently said.
Telius scowled but begrudgingly backed away, "You've grown much stronger."
"So have you," I laughed at his confusion. He had though, it seemed he also went through his own special training. From that one strike right now, it wouldn't lose to my Generals, though the Heroes were something else.
"What brings you here Demon Lord?" Allain's Knight Commander, Polton Drake Verenbell. He stood in front of his King protectively. To my surprise the King was barely older than a boy. He leaked inexperience but I could sense a determination that surpassed the older ones here.
"As the Hero said, I come in peace," I bowed slightly mockingly.
The Klerical King sniggered, "You're entry was quite timely."
"Indeed," the Archmage also nodded.
Most the royalty had calmed down but a clear outlier was Rentolt's previous King who was seething and most the guards around the room were dripping in cold sweat. I say most because Allain's Knight Commander was now staring at me with a scarily challenging glint and Gilda, who was trying to pretend to be worried was a not very convincing actor. For the others, of course they would be scared, their Heroes had just brought me to them willingly. This would be quite fun.
"Allow me to introduce myself properly. I am Davarious First Born Light of the Autumn Wind, 26th Demon Lord and I have come in the same concern that brings you here. The Miltis Empire is a threat to us all."
Allain's King responded first, young as he was, he did not intend to stay quiet, "And exactly how can we trust you Demon Lord?"
"Because you'll have to," I smiled and pulled out the message from the Miltis Empire. "I received this earlier today several hours after the Empire's first assault. I'll spare you the details but it's from the Miltis Empire and asks two things of me. The first, is to join their attack on your lands and in return they will give me half. The second, if I do not join them they have asked me to do nothing and in return they will leave us alone. Now which choice should I make I wonder?" I was purposefully acting haughty to rile them up.
"Join them and we'll make you pay tenfold," Elbeth's King hardened his expression and his guards drew their weapons. Heafest behind him however whispered something into his ear and he relaxed somewhat turning his attention to the Heroes, "A question for our Heroes. I believe we summoned you to our world in hope for you to help us. Why have you come here with the Demon Lord?"
Sayuri faced him, "Because we are indebted to the Demon Lord."
"Just as I am indebted to them," I added.
The Klerical King let out a full blown laugh, "Now this is certainly a first. For both the Heroes and the Demon Lord to get along with no secrets, how interesting."
"The issue still remains, Demon Lord. What option have you chose?" the Archmage released a thick oppressive aura.
I continued to smile, "And I asked you already. Which choice should I make?"
None of them replied. By me asking them I had placed them in the awkward situation of forcing the Kingdoms to pretty much ask me for help. They could threaten me again but they knew it could backfire. I also had the Heroes support.
"Allow me to make a suggestion," I proceeded. "A third choice you could say, one where I assist you to remove the Miltis Empire. I am not so foolish as to believe they would leave my people alone after your defeat. The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Am I your enemy or friend? Answer wisely."
Lisanna's father stood up in outrage as the other leaders contemplated my proposal, "Are you all fools!? The Demons are our enemies. We should have ended his and the traitorous Heroes lives as soon as they entered this room."
Without even looking Lisanna threw out her hand and pushed him back, "Silence father. Even you know what kind of position we are in. We also owe the Heroes a great deal."
"You dare-," her father raised his hand to hit her but froze as Lisanna turned to face him releasing her entire being.
"I am Queen of Rentolt and you will listen to my command," her voice was as cold as ice. He could do nothing and with a barely supressed anger sat down. I was surprised he stayed, really I thought he'd storm off. "Apologies to the Heroes and Demon Lord. My father has spoken out of turn, as a sign of my and my Kingdom's good will, we ask you to join us against the Miltis Empire." Her father was about to rise once more but this time Gilda grabbed his shoulder and forced him down.
A cackle erupted as the Klerical King spun in his chair, "You have really out done yourself Demon Lord. I see what the others do not. Still I also accept your offer. For in this matter we cannot dilly dally."
"Please hold one moment," Telius declared. "We still do not have any evidence we can trust him. How do we know the Heroes are not being forced to obey the Demon Lord? We summoned five Heroes yet the Hero Davios Flint is not here, what have you done to him?"
"It's funny you mention that," I smirked. "As for the reason why you can trust me, or somewhat at least, is because for many of you here I've already had the opportunity take your lives." I made a grand show and pulled off my mantle. The armour receded and my hair returned to the dyed brown it was previously. The glamor of my features faded and I smiled as Davios Flint.
Heafest frowned, "So it was as I dreamed."
"Y-you… how is this possible?" Elsbeth's King was beyond shocked.
"Well now that you know the truth how about it, shall I help you as a Hero instead?" I gestured behind me to the actual Heroes.
The Archmage narrowed his gaze, "You seem to have been playing many games Demon Lord."
"I can't say you haven't Archmage. Or should I call you Denton Arcrez?" I threw the golden scroll we received back in the Mil Kingdoms ruins. "Didn't you say to hand this over if we ever needed help?"
"So you realised," his lips curled up impressed by my deduction.
"Of course I am the Demon Lord after all…." I won't tell him that I just did that on the spot. That was actually a real longshot. The Heroes stared at him in surprise. Kudos to him, his deception was really well done but my random luck was even greater.
"Denton Arcrez is one of the shadows of myself but I do not intend to back from my word now, we will allow you to join us in good faith."
"That leaves Elsbeth and Allain, what are your answers?" I faced them.
Allain's King peeked towards his Knight Commander who ever so slightly nodded, "Allain also accepts."
The attention of the room went to Elbeth's King, he was still frowning, "You have truly played me the fool Demon Lord. So many chances you must have had to destroy everything I loved."
"I can't say that's a lie," I purposefully teased him.
His expression wrinkled, "Allow me one question before I answer. Just what are your intentions with us humans?"
"Simply put, peace. Although not always at war, our two sides must work together before we tear each other apart."
"I see… but is that really possible."
"It is," I let out a soft and genuine smile as I looked at the Heroes.
"Then I shall believe you and also accept your help but I leave you a warning, do not underestimate us."
"I will not go back on my words," I clicked my fingers and a set of empty chairs entered the room. The Heroes and I sat down. "Let us all remember this day as the beginnings of a new era."