Chapter 76: Contract with "Takame" Part 2
Shu was surprised by "Takame's" goal, which was the downfall of the Holy Grinia.
This man, who always maintained neutrality, wished for the downfall of a great nation.
"If it's the Holy Grinia... does that mean you're against destroying the Great Empire? You just said you were in favor of destroying it earlier, which seems contradictory."
"My ultimate goal is the Holy Grinia, but in the process, I intend to destroy the Great Empire. There's no contradiction in that."
"I don't quite understand..."
The Holy Grinia was a major nation, closely connected to neighboring countries through the Demon Cult. Even the nations that could be considered vassals would gladly cooperate if the Holy Grinia faced a crisis. In reality, they were more like allies than vassals. In the Great Empire that subjugated them, a rebellion was already brewing, led by the Revolutionary Liberation.
The nation that had effectively ruled over the western half of the continent by leveraging religion was the Holy Grinia. If this great nation were to be destroyed, the only option left would be the Subarokia Great Empire. The Black Cat organization was indeed formidable as an underground group, but they didn't possess a standing army. It would be challenging to bring about the downfall of the Holy Grinia, especially considering the difficulty of infiltrating the Holy Grinia mainland, which housed the prophetic princess.
However, "Takame" claimed that in order to destroy the Holy Grinia, they must first destroy the Subarokia Great Empire. Shu couldn't comprehend this line of thinking.
"How do you plan to make the Holy Grinia disappear?"
"It's through self-destruction. First, I aim to unify all countries under the rule of the Holy Grinia... I mean, more precisely, under the rule of the Demon Cult. Once that happens, the Holy Grinia will lose its enemy nations and find peace."
"I see, stability in economy and culture would make its downfall more challenging."
"No, it won't be a problem. By exploiting their doctrine... downfall will be quite easy."
"The doctrine...?"
If Shu had to connect the Demon Cult's doctrine to something, it would be the extermination of demons. Demons were seen as humanity's enemies and needed to be eradicated. In terms of daily life, it emphasized compassion, respect, and wisdom. Elevating human existence to a higher level by caring for each other, showing respect, and learning from one another. This was the most fundamental yet crucial doctrine of the Demon Cult.
Of course, there were various sects within the Demon Cult. Some believed in listing laws that must be strictly followed, offering salvation through unwavering adherence. Others prioritized fundamental principles and adapted flexibly. There were even fringe factions that claimed to be prophets sent by the Demon God El Magia.
In any case, if self-destruction was considered according to their doctrine, the method that came to mind was causing internal turmoil through these sects.
"Factional strife?"
Shu asked "Takame."
However, "Takame" shook his head in denial.
"No, it's the extermination of demons... we will use this teaching."
"What do you mean?"
"You must be aware of it, right? That doctrine led to the downfall of... the Kingdom of Ramza. The Dark King Arkwright, remember?"
"You knew about it?"
"It's a simple deduction. It's easy for me."
The Kingdom of Ramza, a country that had once tried to execute Iris, was annihilated when it lost its capital to the "Gluttony Black Crystal Beelze Material." Technically, the nation didn't cease to exist, but losing its central function, the capital, led to its effective collapse.
In other words, "Takame" intended to use the Demon Cult's wrath to bring about the Holy Grinia's downfall.
"Are you planning to make me crush that country?"
"That's an option, but the Holy Grinia has its sights set on an even more formidable enemy than the Dark King – the Seven Great Demon Kings of the Diablo Continent."
"I've heard of them. The eastern continent beyond this sea, right?"
"Yes. The Holy Grinia is gathering strength to reclaim that continent."
"Takame" showed a book he had taken from the forbidden bookshelf. It was a research report compiled by an archaeologist who had traveled to various ruins, gathering accurate information about humanity's past based on these findings.
"When you say 'the past,' what do you mean?"
"The timeline is uncertain, but it seems that humanity once lived on the Diablo Continent in the past. Records indicate that they were in constant conflict with demons. This is also frequently seen in wall paintings in the ruins. Devils and colossal monsters are depicted."
Shu received the research report and flipped through it. Indeed, it appeared as though humans were in conflict with demons.
"So, does that mean humans lost in the battles on the Diablo Continent, and that's why they now live on the Slada Continent?"
"That's correct. Impressive, 'Death God.' According to the records, humanity was defeated by the Seven Great Demon Kings. They crossed the sea and migrated to the Slada Continent. They lost many technicians and warriors in the war, so they were forced into a primitive lifestyle when they first arrived here. However, some of their ancient technology has been passed down."
"For example?"
"The Apophris-style magic, often referred to as military magic. Isn't it strange? When you look at the Slada Continent with a big picture in mind, both the Subarokia Great Empire and the Holy Grinia use the same magic system, don't they?"
"Indeed, now that you mention it, it does seem strange."
Regarding technology related to weaponry, military systems, and the mechanism of training candidates to become magic knights, these aspects were significantly different between the Subarokia Great Empire and the Holy Grinia. However, they both employed Apophris-style magic. In other words, the origin of their magic was the same, and both nations had simply adapted it without further modification. This was strong evidence that this ancient technology had been passed down since the time of the Diablo Continent. It was possible that even forbidden spells and divine spells that were completely unusable today were once used by the ancient humans. However, they were lost as humans retreated to the Slada Continent after being defeated by the Seven Great Demon Kings, and the only thing that remained was the knowledge and technology itself, which persisted to the present day.
"I see, it's becoming clearer now."
Shu was beginning to understand "Takame's" plan to destroy the Holy Grinia.
"So, are you intentionally allowing the Holy Grinia to rule over the Slada Continent and then have it invade the Diablo Continent? The Seven Great Demon Kings of the past, whom humans lost to, are still a fact the Holy Grinia wants to erase from history, right?"
"Yes. My prediction is that after unifying the Slada Continent, they will accumulate strength. It might take a hundred or two hundred years. After that, they will aim to defeat either the Dark King Arkwright or the Immortal King Xenon Life to establish their achievements. If they succeed, they will invade the Diablo Continent."
"It's quite a long-term plan."
"Considering it's about erasing a great nation, it's only natural."
"You might die of old age
before it's completed."
"That won't be a problem."
With those words, "Takame" released his magical concealment. Vast and distinctive magical power surged out, and Shu recognized it.
"Did you awaken?"
"Are you surprised? I'm an Awakened Magic Knight."
The surprising fact is, upon careful consideration, not so strange.
The organization known as "Kuroneko" delves deep into the Subarokia Grand Empire's darkness. The executives lurking in that darkness are individuals who naturally become enemies of the state. Especially for those executives involved in battles like "Kurogane" and "Boryu," it wouldn't have been surprising even if they were awakened Magic Knights.
However, Shu never expected "Takame" to be awakened.
Shu concurred, "Because I have no lifespan, I devised such a grand plan..."
"Even if it takes hundreds of years, I intend to destroy the Cult of the Demon God. I dislike that religion, you see."
Shu once again sensed the flames of hatred.
For "Takame," destroying the Sacred Grinia and eradicating the Cult of the Demon God from this world was a life-defining purpose. That's what convinced him.
Shu inquired, "What is it that drives you to such lengths?"
"Oh my, you seem quite interested in me today. Well, since you've given me the opportunity to enter this forbidden library, I'll answer."
"Don't say it as if you're doing me a favor. You know I'm the Dark Lord, right? Our interests align, that's all."
"Hehehe."
That eerie smile was typical of "Takame."
His ability to manipulate the conversation to his advantage was always impressive.
"Well, I have personal debts as well... I'd like to have a good relationship with you."
"Debts?"
"More precisely, it's a debt to your partner."
"Iris?"
"Yes, it's about her."
Shu appeared perplexed.
What kind of debt could a member of the underground organization owe to Iris, a former Holy Knight and witch? Shu couldn't quite grasp it, but "Takame" genuinely spoke of wanting to repay this debt.
"I was raised by a demonic knight called Death Knight. I have no knowledge of my birth, but he said I was abandoned in the forest."
"Raised by a demon, huh?"
"This story takes place in the Kingdom of Ramza, which you destroyed. It happened about twenty-two years ago."
"Ramza Kingdom...?"
Ramza Kingdom was where Shu had met Iris and was also the kingdom where he was born. He had no knowledge of what had transpired there after the destruction caused by "Gluttonous Black Crystal Belze Material."
This revelation piqued Shu's interest in "Takame's" story.
"So, even though you were raised by a demon, you didn't care that I was the Dark Lord Arklight?"
"That's part of it. Another reason is that you avenged me. My foster parent, the demonic knight Death Knight, was killed by a church's Holy Knight. You did a splendid job avenging him and bringing about the collapse of the Ramza Kingdom, and for that, I'm grateful."
"So, how does that translate to a debt toward Iris? From your story, it sounds more like you owe me."
"It's also about her parents, Lord Dalia and Lady Rose."
---
Twenty-two years ago...
The young boy rejected the proposal of the Holy Knights.
"I want... I want to stay with Knight Uncle!"
The demonic knight, Death Knight, in his sinister form, appeared somewhat pleased. To the church members who viewed demons as evil, enemies of humans, and objects to be destroyed, this was a heretical statement.
One of the Holy Knights accused the boy, "Let's kill him! He's a child of the wicked, a demon's offspring! He must be eradicated!"
Raised by a creature meant to be exterminated and imbued with its ideology, the boy had, in essence, fallen. This is what the Holy Knights believed.
This opinion quickly spread, and the assembled Holy Knights began to voice their intent to kill.
"Be careful. Death Knight is formidable."
"We can just kill the child like we would any other. It would make things easier."
"First, we'll encircle them. We can't let them escape."
"Dalia, let's do this!"
About thirty Holy Knights had been prepared to subdue a Disaster-level calamity like Death Knight. Their leader was Dalia.
Since the Holy Knights' actions were to be commanded by their leader, the battle wouldn't commence without Dalia's order. The Holy Knights prepared their magical armors, knowing that a single order could make Death Knight and the boy vanish from this world.
However, Dalia hesitated to give the anticipated order.
"...No, let's protect Death Knight and the boy."
She issued an order that was clearly unacceptable for a Holy Knight. Naturally, there was resistance.
"Dalia! What are you saying? This is a matter of heresy!"
"I trust in you. I'll pretend I didn't hear that. Please give the proper order."
"That's right. Please, even Rose is asking you!"
All eyes turned to Dalia's wife, Rose.
The two were known for their strong marital bond. As such, it was believed that if Rose spoke, Dalia would listen. However, Rose sided with Dalia.
"I believe we should protect them."
"Even you, Rose!?"
"Calm down. The teachings of the God of El Magia are about eradicating the evil that harms humans. It shouldn't apply to non-harmful demons. I sense a definite bond and affection between this Death Knight and the boy. We should respond with love as well. I suppose it's a mother's instinct."
Rose had a five-year-old daughter.
She understood the feelings of both parents and the yearnings of children. She believed that the precious connection between them should not be severed by others.
The duty of a Holy Knight was to eradicate evil and uphold holiness.
However, Dalia and Rose, as faithful believers, considered the elevation of holiness through love. Even if the other party was a demon, they could become holy through affection. It was their judgment based on this philosophy.
But not everyone shared this perspective.
Among the Holy Knights, there were many who adhered to the belief that demons must be completely exterminated.
"...I won't follow you!"
"Saint Knight Dalia and Saint Knight Rose... You've fallen into darkness."
"Heretics must be killed!"
Of the approximately thirty Holy Knights, about half, or fifteen, aimed their magical armors at the two. The remaining half hesitated and watched, ready to act if needed.
Of course, Dalia and Rose attempted to persuade them.
Meanwhile, the boy and Death Knight were engaged in conversation.
"Hey, Uncle. What should we do?"
"Escaping seems difficult. Over half of them have their weapons aimed at us. Let's observe a little longer. We're at a slight disadvantage if we start a fight now."
If one gear were to slip, the battle would begin.
Amidst the tension, Death Knight continued to think of ways to protect the boy.