"So, we thought of a bold strategy. Since sending more people would just be sending them to their deaths, why not—"
"Why not just send me, right?!" Luo Yan's eyes bulged.
"Ahem, of course that's not what we mean... It's just that the timing of the reinforcements needs further consideration."
Witnessing his junior colleague about to erupt in frustration, Grien's gaze shifted evasively, seemingly apologetic, unconsciously quickening his speech.
"Moreover, apart from strategic considerations, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has raised the opinion of 'Why not abandon the enclave altogether.' In fact, if the cabinet had not interfered, we would have already decided to abandon it, it is only for the sake of a certain important figure that we decided to try again... You know, the core resources of the Demon King Territory are very precious strategic materials, far more valuable for reinforcing territories near the frontline than wasting on an enclave."
Indeed, that was the truth.
The majority of the Demon King Territories lie at the very front where the Hell Camp clashes with the Surface Camp, and only those areas can stably produce the resources Hell needs and transport them back underground...
As Luo Yan fell silent, fingers interlocked, Grien continued.
"In short, that's the basic situation. We will have a hard time providing you with effective support initially... but don't lose heart. Although Duke Dragon has botched many things, his subordinates should still be nearby. You could try to persuade them to join you, or at the very least have them share some of the fire power."
"Furthermore, considering your special situation, the Ministry of Internal Affairs will not assign you specific tasks. You have a high degree of autonomy and don't need to periodically harass our enemies like the other Demon Kings. What you need to do is focus on managing your territory, accumulating strength..."
This was in line with what Principal Ai Wen had told him.
If he doesn't need to go out causing trouble regularly and contribute Faith Crystals, then his role as a Demon King should be relatively easy.
Probably.
Thinking that whether he stretched his neck or withdrew, he'd be facing the same predicament, Luo Yan felt it was better to take the initiative.
"When does the organization need me to depart?"
Grien's response once again surprised Luo Yan.
Rather than giving a specific date, he glanced at his watch by lifting his sleeve.
"The teleportation array should be ready, and the dragon carriage to pick you up is at the school gate. I'll be waiting for you there shortly..."
"In any case, the sooner the better," Grien said.
"For you, as well as for us."
...
In the main tower of Demon King Academy, bats fluttered around as usual today.
As Luo Yan stood dumbfounded, the old Witch Demon by the window of the principal's office was also squinting and, through the frosted glass, looked with satisfaction towards the tower in the west.
It was like gazing at a sapling he had nurtured with his own hands.
Vice Principal Dorin Weber stood behind him, her agelessly frosty features marked by a faint trace of worry.
Thanks to him,
it was as cold here as if the air conditioning was on.
"I don't think this is a good idea, Mr. Avin Krueger... However you look at it, the trial you've set for a student of merely bronze level seems overly burdensome."
She had only recently learned about that Luo Yan's situation.
Even though she was pleased that Demon King Academy finally nurtured a true Demon King, that child was just a bronze-level Undead Mage.
He was too weak.
Even weaker than her familiars.
Hearing the vice principal's concerns, Principal Ai Wen just smiled lightly, his face betraying a sagely strategic mindset.
"Do you really think he only possesses the strength of a bronze?"
"Is there... any doubt about that?" Dorin looked at the old Witch Demon in astonishment, wondering if he had succumbed to senility.
There were ways to hide one's strength, but deceiving the eyes of a Demigod-level Witch Demon was no easy feat.
And besides...
What would be the point of doing so?
This place is a school, not the dirty political arena.
"The question isn't about his strength itself, but about his ambition. I find it hard to believe that someone who aspires to be a Demon King truly only has the strength of a bronze-level Undead Mage. I'm more inclined to believe that he harbors secrets that we do not yet understand," Ai Wen continued, pausing for a moment, then resuming slowly.
"Actually... I noticed this young man a long time ago. You know, I'm well acquainted with many people in the cabinet, especially with Caesar Colin... I've taught him," said the principal.
It's well known that Demon King Academy is where high-level Demons gild their reputations, producing all manners of rare geniuses needed in Hell... except for Demon Kings.
"Caesar Colin? The military minister?" Dorin regarded him disapprovingly, "What does this have to do with that guy?"
Ai Wen shrugged.
"Don't you think... they resemble each other? From the very first day he stepped into this academy, I noticed it. Except for the eyes, the two of them could practically have been cut from the same mold."
"Ah?"
Dorin gasped, her eyes rounding in disbelief as if she had heard something unthinkable.
"You're saying... that kid is Caesar's illegitimate child?!"
"Stop—that's not what I'm saying!" Ai Wen quickly cut her off, hurriedly continuing, "I'm talking about Caesar's son! Roxey Colin! Don't you remember? The double-zero level student!"
Dorin's expression became confused.
Double-zero level?
Which double-zero?
From 800 years, 900 years, or 1000 years...
She had been a professor here for over three hundred years, a vice principal for many decades, had bid farewell to too many graduates, and couldn't possibly remember every student.