Chapter 429
For those engaged in the fight, a week seemed interminably long. However, those observing from a distance didn't share the same perception, as they continued to keep a close watch on each other.
The remaining resistance fighters in the hideout decided to stand united with Davey, knowing that they were likely to face death. But the reality that awaited them proved to be different.
The cave they once called home could only accommodate a limited number of people, and as their ranks grew, it became untenable. Consequently, they drove out the demons occupying a nearby fortress and transformed it into their new shelter and residence.
This fortress, a natural stronghold, had been underestimated by the demons, resulting in weak defenses that the clay soldiers easily penetrated and seized control.
The humans' defeat was a direct consequence of their own negligence. Having enjoyed prolonged periods of peace, they failed to prepare for any potential danger, leading to a heavy cost. In desperation, they resorted to using their loved ones as shields to escape and survive.
All hope seemed lost until the arrival of a lone human and the beings under his command. Thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of clay soldiers and stone statues exhibited extraordinary powers.
Their awe-inspiring abilities stirred frustration among the people, yet it also reignited a spark of hope - the hope of victory and reclaiming their lands from the enemy.
The clay soldiers, in tandem with a small group from the resistance army, successfully drove the demons away from east to west, earning recognition as the true apostles of God.
"Ah... Aaaaah... God's Army has returned!"
"As expected, God did not forsake us!"
Once again, the clay soldiers returned triumphant after conquering a neighboring fortress, exuding an imposing presence. Originally intended to return to the earth upon completing their task, they now marched proudly and regally, obeying Davey's commands as if they were a divine army.
This was what one would call a publicity stunt. The clay soldiers and stone statues returned in an imposing manner evoking heartfelt tears from the deeply moved audience. Not too long ago, these people lived day after day with an empty look on their faces. They have lost all hope and were only waiting for the day that they would die. When Davey truly put hope in front of them and proved that he was not just all talk, the humans’ expressions started to change.
Davey's attempt to stop the war by charging in and attacking the demons proved futile, leaving him with no choice but to reassess his plans. Yet, he knew there were alternative ways to seize control of the world without personally intervening.
As Davey leaned against the castle's watchtower, lost in contemplation and gazing at the sky, a voice reached his ears. It was none other than Aeria, holding a small tray, accompanied by Aeonitia, Davey's half-sister whom he had encountered in the village. He marveled at how Aeonitia had grown into a responsible caretaker, cradling two infants in her arms, both born to her.
"Have you named them?" Davey inquired gently. Aeonitia smiled but shook her head, and a soft smile threatened to form on Davey's lips as he looked at the adorable babies.
"No, I haven't chosen names yet."
"Why not?"
"I want you to give them their names."
The children's father was missing, and during the liberation of the prisoners of war, Aeonitia had learned about her husband's brave resistance that eventually led to his demise. Overwhelmed by grief, she had quickly regained her composure, realizing that she needed to endure in this harsh world, especially for the sake of her children.
"You, along with these two children, gave us a new life," Aeonitia expressed her gratitude.
The Aeonitia Davey once knew used to be fearful and avoid his gaze, being the youngest daughter of Queen Lynesse, his adversary. However, the Aeonitia in this world displayed remarkable strength, perhaps fortified by the responsibilities of motherhood.
"Sir Davey! These children are so adorable!" Aeria exclaimed, her eyes shining with wonder as she cradled one of the babies.
Davey grinned warmly, appreciating Aeria's delight. The presence of newborns was a rare and precious sight for her, as she rarely had the chance to interact with such young ones.
"Newborns are delicate and vulnerable. I have used some holy magic to protect them, but be sure to keep them warm," Davey advised.
“Ah… Is that so?”
“That’s right.”
Aeria pouted at Davey’s short and blunt answer.
“You are everyone’s hero.”
“It’s not me but those clay soldiers.”
“Are you jealous of them?”
.
“No. I think this is a good thing.”
Davey had always intended for this outcome from the start, and succumbing to jealousy over it would be unsightly.
Accompanied by Aeria and Aeonitia, Davey once again passed through the triumphal arch, observing as the clay soldiers slowly faded away.
"There's no reason for anyone to mock you. You've instilled hope in us—the very people who had lost all hope and given up. Let's descend together. Miss Eurina, now leading the resistance, has prepared a banquet to celebrate the victorious warriors' safe return."
Eurina became the commander thanks to Davey's intervention, having been saved from the clutches of Kreed, the Demon Corps Commander. The reason for her appointment may seem ridiculous—simply because she brought Davey back—but it stands nonetheless.
Davey found himself in an amusing situation. To the others, he appeared incredibly resourceful and clever, yet they largely underestimated his individual strength. In reality, Davey single-handedly defeated the demons and vanquished Nyx, their leader. Only Eurina and Aeonitia were there to witness the feat, as the village chief was knocked unconscious during the battle, and the rest of the people were locked away. When they arrived, all they saw were the aftermath of the fight and the black wyverns, which Davey had commanded to burn the area down.
"Let's go," Aeonitia urged, taking hold of Davey's arm.
Davey merely nodded in response.
He had already provoked Sleesia multiple times, and by now, they must be scrambling in confusion. As long as everything went according to his plan, the matter would finally be resolved.
Though intelligent beings often have well-thought-out plans, unexpected events can jolt them back to reality.
***
"What are we to do now? We're facing only around a thousand enemies, yet the devastation they've caused is immense!"
"You're right. Is this the price we must pay for betraying Her Majesty, the Demon Lord, Grand Duke Astaroth?"
Astaroth couldn't help but grit his teeth as he faced the angry demons pointing fingers at him.
"The enemy's numbers may not seem large, but be aware that they have unidentified clay soldiers and stone statues on their side."
A sigh escaped Astaroth as one demon, whom he had a decent impression of, retorted.
"We are well aware that the opponent we're dealing with is highly unusual."
"Then, shouldn't we devise countermeasures...?"
"Unfortunately, resistance would be futile."
"Thousands of our demon soldiers have already died in vain. Do you really think an explanation like that is enough?"
"The enemy is formidable, and you were informed of this. We should have been prepared for numerous sacrifices."
"Astaroth, such words don't suit a grand duke like you! Do you understand?"
"Then what do you suggest we do? Should we simply let humans be?"
Silence filled the conference hall as Astaroth rose from his seat. "They may celebrate their victory, but it's time to put an end to this exhausting and dreadful war. The humans may hold on to their last hope, but we will soon reveal it to be nothing but an illusion."
"Our fortresses around the center and to the west have already fallen into their hands. They are expertly targeting our prisoner concentration camps and supply storages, and their overwhelming numbers work to their advantage."
"Let them be. It's time for us to prepare for an all-out war."
The demon's main force numbered in the hundreds of thousands, and with the addition of demonic beasts and monsters, it reached almost 500,000. Against such a formidable army, survival seemed impossible.
"What do you think?" Astaroth turned and asked as a woman emerged from the darkness.
"Playing war games quickly becomes rather dull."
Her tone of voice was relaxed and nonchalant, but the present demons couldn't help but nervously gulp. The only emotion visible in her eyes was a haunting darkness.
"Well then, playtime's over."
"We hope you can handle them on your own."
"Let the annoying bugs fight amongst themselves. I just need to kill that human. However, I'm merely watching your backs for my own amusement and interest."
"We hope you'll come out personally."
"Keep asking like that if you want to die."
Sleesia's impatient words silenced the demons, and the atmosphere among them grew tense. It was highly abnormal for a naturally born demon to detain and overpower their Demon Lord—the very being they were supposed to serve.
Their queen, their absolute ruler, had pleaded for them to stop their senseless violence and bloodshed. However, under the influence of Astaroth, the demons had no intention of heeding her cries and changing their ways.
"Well, it's true that I've grown tired of this as well."
"All our forces are now gathered outside. We can commence their extermination."
Upon Astaroth's words, all the demons present rose to their feet.
***
Everyone was absorbed and intoxicated by the dream-like peace that had suddenly befallen them when the demons started to retreat. They were delighted by the renewed hope and busy envisioning the happy future that awaited them.
The streets around the banquet were filled with music and laughter, long forgotten by the different races that used to fight and keep each other in check. Humans, beastfolk, dwarves, and orcs now mingled together in harmony.
"Ha! I thought you were nothing but a muscle pig, but you're quite good!"
"Hmph! Us orcs belong to an honorable race! This alcohol is also quite honorable!"
"Bahahahahahahahaha! Is alcohol honorable? Hohoho. I'm from the dwarven race, but I have never seen someone swing a bat like you!"
Dwarves and orcs, sporting shaggy and unkempt beards, drank hard liquor together. The dwarves were former prisoners of war who had been forced to work for the demons, while the orcs were the same ones who had once spoken of an honorable death to Eurina.
"Ah! If it isn't the hero of this victory! Here, have a drink!"
Davey silently raised his glass as the orc offered him a drink of hard liquor.
"They all wanted to die not too long ago."
"That was then. You have become the spark that energizes all of us here in the resistance. Your appearance has given us, who lived like corpses, newfound vitality."
Hearing these drunken ramblings, Davey quietly asked, "If I wasn't here, would you all return to living like corpses?"
"Why wouldn't you be here?! You should stay with us! Everyone has recognized your contributions!"
Though Davey had suddenly appeared, no one ever thought he would disappear just as abruptly. They treated him as if he would always be there. It was a relaxed way of thinking.
Davey moved past the noisy crowd. Each table was filled with dwarves and humans singing joyfully and drinking to their heart's content. On one side, pure and innocent children eagerly awaited the huge meat being cooked.