When the demons were summoned on Rimuru's command,even the upper echelons of the Imperial army recognized the bizarreness of the situation.
Major General Xam'd was one of them.
As the demon Summoning Gate manifested,
「U- Unbelievable…. For the Summon Gate to be that huge….」
He couldn't help but hear such things muttered by a subordinates Mage.
Energy analysis began immediately, and they finally understood the predicament they were in.
The demons that had been summoned, each and every one of them were demonic beings that surpassed the rank of Greater Demons.
「Th-That's just…. Just how much war potential does he have….」
Words of trying not to face the reality before them start leaking out.
Gradim, who clearly heard those words, turned his attention onto Major General Xam'd.
There wasn't much point in hiding it. Xam'd had simply spoken the facts for what they were.
Which was, that an army of demons with the strength to overpower their own Imperial army had appeared.
Even if they outnumber them, there wasn't much that could be done to cover the difference in quality.
They would be slaughtered if they didn't try and do something about it.
Even if the brass, including himself, could survive, all the regular soldiers would get massacred.
Gradim didn't want to believe it, but Major General Xam'd wasn't the type of guy who joked around.
(Tsk. We underestimated him because it was only a Demon Lord….)
It was too late for regrets now.
Now was time to do whatever possible.
As the emperor was also there, they couldn't take any disgraceful actions.
Gradim made his decision, activated the teleportation magic circle, went to where his forces were standing by, and took direct command.
The members of the Beast Corps were the cream of the crop, hand picked and trained by Beast King Gradim himself.
It was a gathering of strong individuals, with rumors saying they are descendents of ancient heroes.
And their Demon Beasts partners, were said to be A- rank in terms of power.
Battle Chimeras: Demon Beasts which were born from selective breeding after DNA analysis. They were seen as a type of weapon, having combat oriented abilities.
And it was obvious that the Corps members who had tamed them, were also ranked above A- in terms of capability.
Their strength when battling together on land, were said to be second to none.
But currently they were above the sea, which put them at a disadvantage.
That was exactly why, the hastily returned Beast King Gradim issued one specific order.
「Listen up, ladies!! From this point on, i will be issuing the Secret Command.
The analysis team has concluded that the demons are all above A rank in capability.
It is predicted that we will suffer massive losses if nothing is done.
Which is why, we shall oppose them with our last resort.
Permission to use Medical Skill『Beast Fusion』is hereby granted.
Make haste. The enemy isn't going to wait for us!!」
The forbidden order was issued.
Medical Skill『Beast Fusion』, was a skill that was developed by the team responsible for the analysis of Demon Beast DNA.
This skill, fused the Demon Beast and it's handler together. (TN: duh)
Letting a human attain the power of a Demon Beast; a forbidden power.
The reason it was called a forbidden skill, was because it became impossible for the individual who activated it to cancel the effects.
The drug used for the skill, had to be surgically removed in a facility with the appropriate tools.
Through the fusion of the handler and his partner, a warrior that surpassed the original concept would be born.
The drug was distributed and kept on hand, so it was possible to activate whenever necessary. But, usage is prohibited without the Secret Command from the corps leader.
There was another reason why it was "secret".
Risk of death: 10%
Risk of compatibility failure and completely turning into a Demon Beast: 20%
Risk of losing control (applies for both Beastman and Demon Beast): 30%
Risk of side effects resulting from the fusion: 20%
There were many underlying problems.
There is only a 20% chance for "complete" success of the fusion. (TN: I don't like doing math but the percentages don't add up lol)
But like Gradim, there were corps members who successfully fused and completed the process.
These members consequently attained new powers, and became stronger.
These perfectly compatible individuals, made up less than 1% among the entire corps.
They were called Chimera Knights, and were the aides of Beast King Gradim.
The order that Gradim calmly issued, was akin to a death sentence for the Beast Corps troops.
If there were unable to attain power now, they will simply end up as fodder for the demons.
It was a cold, but pragmatic order.
And the troops swiftly followed it.
They had prior knowledge to the risks, and knew of the high mortality rate.
But because they had absolute faith in Beast King Gradim, they followed the order without hesitation.
The result: out if 30,000 members of the Demon Beast squad….
7,700 turned into berserk Demon Beasts, 5,800 into complete Demon Beasts.
4,500 turned into berserk Beastman, 7,400 into Demon Beast-man soldiers.
550 turned into Chimera Knights.
It resulted in a fairly large loss in numbers.
The ones who went berserk had already been let out, and were rampaging on the decks. An ejection type magic circle was prepared beforehand, to deal with those individuals.
That was the job of the Mages, who were standing by around the squad members. This was to prevent being attacked by their former comrades.
Those who were still sane and combat ready numbered 13,750, which was less than half of the squad.
The members who turned into Demon Beasts but were still conscious are also counted in, so the drop in numbers was fairly significant.
But Gradim nodded with satisfaction.
The number of Chimaera Knights born was higher than expected.
There was roughly 100 of them who were his aides already.
Through strict selection, only individuals with high chances of successfully fusing were chosen, but it was difficult to increase their numbers.
But because of the current emergency, it was fortunate that 450 Chimaera Knights of good quality were born.
(We can win with this!)
Beast King Gradim was confident, and began reforming the ranks to prepare for battle.
―― grind them to dust!
The Black Numbers released their restraints in elation as they received their orders.
And were about to head straight for the Airships that had evacuated to the ocean.
The 100 airships still in the air, were to be food for their masters.
The remaining 200 or so that had descended to the ocean were their own.
The subordinates of the 3 pillars (EN: note at the end) Testarossa, Ultima and Carrera numbered 600 in total. All of them were beings that easily surpassed Greater Demons.
They were all over A rank, beings who could rival high tier Majin (EN: note at the end).
They now eyed their pitiful prey, with their powers now unconstrained.
But then,
「Wait!」
All of their movements stopped, with that one word from Diablo.
Now their attention was on Diablo.
Diablo raised one of his hands, signalling to the demons to be at ease,
「Kufufufufu. Do all of you understand?
The order from Rimuru-sama, is that none are allowed to die.
If even one of you were to die, it would be a sin so grave that even if us executives offered our heads to atone, it wouldn't nearly be enough.」
His smile, instilled fear upon his underlings rather than it's original purpose.
And none refuted his words.
The demons quietly paid heed to Diablo's orders.
「First, Testarossa. Would you be so kind as to clean up the trash below us?」
「Oh, why not? That much is easy by myself.」
「Wait a sec! I wanna do that! I can do that much easily too, you know!?」
Ultima barged in as Diablo was giving the order to Testarossa.
To that, with no displeasure, Diablo answers,
「Kufufufufu. Of course it is possible for you too.
But, since those are floating down there undamaged, shouldn't we try and capture them?
All of those ships, I am thinking of offering them to Rimuru-sama.
Ultima, aren't you bad at controlling your power output?
For that, Testarossa is the one most suited for this job.」
Unexpectedly, he explained his reasoning.
This showed Diablo was in an amazingly good mood.
If there was an interruption while his mood was foul, the life of whoever interrupted would speed towards zero.
Ultima, sounding satisfied,
「Che~. ―― can't help that I guess. True, it isn't what I'm good at.」
She seems to have given up her selfish thoughts.
「Ufufu. Well then, I'll be of―― 」
「A moment. Take Venom with you.」
「Hm, what for?」
「We've been given the order to wipe them out. Have I not said?
None are allowed to escape.
We shall put the Demon Chevalier to use, for that purpose.」
「 ―― understood. They will be of use, as Bloodhounds. I shall borrow them.
Moss, you are next in terms of capability behind us 4 pillars.
As long as you heed the order to not die, you can do as you please.
Cien, you shall take control of the remainder, and sweep up any who intend to escape!」
Testarossa gave out the orders for her minions, and swiftly took action towards her prey.
Venom looked at Diablo, and looked like he wanted to say something for a split second, but only gave a bow seeming like he had given up, and left following behind Testarossa.
「So, are you going to go after the Emperor, Diablo?」
「No, that unfortunately looks impossible.」
「Hmm? Why's that?」
Unexpectedly, Carrera replied with interest to what Diablo just said.
Carrera was known to show no interest, and totally ignore anything others said.
「Kufufufufu. The Emperor, has an Absolute Barrier.」
Just as he was saying that, Diablo suddenly shot out a Nuclear Cannon.
The ultra-long-distance blast Nuclear Cannon, maintaining speeds at over 10 times the speed of sound, pierced the defense barriers of the Airship.
And without losing any momentum, made direct contact with the Emperor.
But, the Emperor was uninjured. The Knights protecting the emperor didn't even move, as if they knew the result.
「Did you see that? The Royal Knights protecting the emperor didn't even move.
That shows they have confidence that the defense field will not be penetrated.
It would seem that the Emperor wields an Ultimate Skill.
One of the "Angel Series".
The "Angel Series" is known to have high defensive properties, the defenses that the Emperor has are probably the highest of them all.
Analysis showed it to be "Castle Guard".
Using the "loyalty" of the subordinates around him as energy, he is invincible as long as he has loyal retainers nearby.
To put it simply, if we do not clean out the Imperial soldiers, we have no means to kill the emperor.」
「Hmmm. Surprising you could tell that much.」(Ultima)
「Color me impressed as well. There was no way to tell, just from looking at them.」(Carrera)
「Kufufufufu. That much was obvious (with the help of a certain someone)!」
Bragged Diablo, while the other two looked at him dubiously.
Clearing his throat to divert their attention, Diablo pushed to finish the conversation.
「Well that's the gist of it, I would like for you all to clear out the flies around the Emperor.
Carrera, you take the man in uniform.
Ultima, you deal with any remaining distinct individuals.
All other remaining demon nobles besides Moss and Cien are to support Ultima!」
『As you wish!!』
Accepting their orders, the demons flew off.
But right before Ultima and Carrera took off,
「Huh? What are you going to do, Diablo?」
Ultima asked, having finally noticed.
Diablo looked like he shuddered.
But calmly,
「I have something important to do.」
said Diablo.
The two felt even more suspicious now.
「Wait a minute, Diablo. What are you being so secretive about?」
He reluctantly answers Carrera,
「My role is to watch over our majestic Rimuru-sama!
This is a role so important, that it isn't something I could task others with!!」
He declared in a fit.
「Wa-wait a sec! What's with that?
I wanna see Rimuru-sama's greatness too!!」(Ultima)
「Huh? Are you gonna hog all that fun for yourself?
Even if you're our superior, that's power abuse you know?」(Carrera)
The two Devil Lords voiced their objections.
But at the same time, they now understood why he so quickly dispatched the haughty Testarossa.
Diablo was their direct superior, if all three of them were together they could have "appealed", but there was only two of them now so the odds are not in their favor.
In the end they could only accept it, all the while griping about it.
「Hey! I can do whatever the hell I want right?」(Ultima)
「Yes, of course.」(Diablo)
「I can destroy everything that's floating in the sky right?」
「Definitely.」
Diablo was conceding as much as possible, to improve the moods of Ultima and Carrera.
Them being this easy to convince was quite a bargain.
「Alright then. There seems to be some who look very tasty, so I shall give in this time.」(Carrera)
「Yep. I want to rampage around too, to vent off some of this frustration.」(Ultima)
Sounding like they conceded, the two of them flew off.
They also gave orders to the remaining demons who were standing by around them, as though an afterthought,
「You guys, spread out!
Get under Cien's command, and show no mercy to anyone who tries to leave this airspace!!」
Carrera shrieked ventingly, and the demons moved out in unison.
―― grind them to dust!
Intending to follow their orders to the letter, the demons set up a full perimeter surrounding the Imperial fleet.
Soon, the decisive battles in the air, and on sea level would begin.
Diablo smirked, pleased that everything was going just as planned.
Through observing his beloved master's battle nearby, he would improve himself.
And with this battle, to give the remaining demons the opportunity to experience battle in the truest sense, that was the main objective.
Surviving the odds, and attaining strength.
The abilities of their corporeal bodies, were the best they could hope to attain.
What remained, would be the skills within those bodies.
This applied to Testarossa, Ultima and Carrera too.
Power that was simply given to them, could never compare to the shine of one that was mastered, obtained by themselves.
Providing them with an "enemy", and having them break through that obstacle.
Demons were one of the most powerful races.
While they were weak in their inferior stages when compared to Angels and Spirits, that position was switched the moment they reach the upper classes.
As growth is slow, many would fall and perish in the process, but those who managed to reach the higher tiers would become unchallenged.
That was why, the brute force approach of the Devil Lords besides himself, was all too understandable.
It will be good experience for them to be thrown into a tough battle.
(Now, for them to survive the ordeal. Hopefully they make it out in one piece. Kufufufufufufu――)
Diablo's smile widened, as he snickered in anticipation.
Notes:
– pillars: It's like a collective noun, a counter one might say. In japanese it's used for counting nobility, gods etc.
– majin: Powerful elite monsters, like oni or tengu. Benimaru and the bunch would count.