The Kingdom of Onryn.
　There was an atmosphere of urgency in a room in the royal castle in the royal capital, Breon.
　Around a long table placed in the center of the room, the king and other heavyweights were all in place.
　There were also knights standing in the four corners of the room, ready for any shortage.

''We have lost contact with the selectors and Lord Liuzas is also missing. The brave man has also disappeared and ...... what can we do about it?

　One of the ministers moaned as he said that.
　Since the summoning of the brave men, the strength of the kingdom has been decreasing in reverse since the summoning of the brave men.

　A brave man, a seat of the selectors, and Liuzas.
　With the loss of them, the kingdom's war potential has dropped significantly.
　In the midst of the whispers of the Demon King Ortegia's near return, this could be said to be fatal.

''The abyssal labyrinth that was a bump in the eye is gone, but this doesn't make any sense: ......!
'What in the world is Master Liuzas doing?　Are you sure they're dead?
With no one to contact with the selectors, I guess we'll just have to assume that!　As for the former, isn't it the fault of those who failed to take the reins of the brave men!

　Amidst the buzzing ministers and great nobles in a sour mood, the king slowly opened his mouth.

''There's no point in counting the things we've lost. Right now, it's important to replenish our forces as much as possible.''

　As soon as the king said that, his entourage looked over to one of the knights.
　That knight opens his mouth with a nervous look on his face.

''Kingdom Knight, I'm Yulifa Spratos.
Hmm. How's it going with the case?

　Urifa replied as she was prompted.

　That the Knights are currently recruiting soldiers all over the country.
　That they have approached and hired mercenary groups at home and abroad.
　And that they have approached retired former knights and former magicians and asked them to come back.

Starting with Renhi-sama, we've also asked some of the people who supported the 'Heroic Amatsu' thirty years ago to come back.
'Oh ......!　Lord Rench!　That's encouraging!

　After he finished speaking, Yurifa stepped back into the corner of the room.
　The king nodded with satisfaction and continued.

''And the other day. "There was a prophecy from 'Holy Light God' Melt-sama."

　Oh," the ministers buzzed.
It is said that Melt fell into a deep sleep after the battle with the "Fallen Light God" Hadeer, but there were many times when he would make a prophecy to the kingdom at the turning point of the times.
　It was because of Melt's prophecy that he summoned the "Heroic Amatsu" thirty years ago.

And what did these omens mean?

'Hmm. That's ----


You're not going to be able to do that.

　Peter's country, the Holy City of Schmelz.
　In the temple at the back of the Holy Light District, the heavyweights of the Cathedral Knights and the Order of Melt were all together.

　Pope.
　Cardinals.
　The Order's leaders.
　And the captains of the Cathedral Knights from the first squad to the fourth squad.

　The story being told was about the vacant Captain of the Second Squadron.
　Whether or not to officially appoint Leo William Disfrender, who is currently the acting captain of the Second Squadron, as captain of the Second Squadron, or not.

'I think it's a good idea,'

　It was a man with light blue hair who said that.
　He had long hair like a woman's, a neutral face, and the appearance of a beautiful young man.
　He was the captain of the third squad--Rosario Slay Favnir.

''He's probably even more qualified for the job than Marcus-san. He had a good grasp of people's minds and a good fighting ability, but he lacked the innocence and faith in the Lord that was appropriate for a knight. Aside from purity, he should not be without faith. It should not be very good. In that respect, Leo-san is everything. Totally worthy of being the captain of the second unit.

...... I'm sorry.

　At Rosario's words, Leo bows his head.
　Although his tone is gentle and kind, the name Rosario was given on the battlefield is "War Madman".
　It's a monster that slaughters large numbers of demons in the name of faith.

I agree with you.

　It was the gray-haired woman who said this after Rosario.
　Her jade-colored twin eyes had a sparkle that made me stretch my back.

　Her name was Maria Theresia Stragen.
　She is the captain of the first squad and the commander of the Cathedral Knights.
　She is renowned as the strongest cathedral knight and is the largest force in the Church State.

Leo William Disfrender has the caliber of a captain in terms of both conduct and ability. I heard that he played a role in the defense of the Holy City during the recent attack on the Demon King's Army. As of now, there is no one more qualified than him.

　Those who were connected with Marx managed to get Leo out of the running, but the two men's words decided the majority.
　In the end, by a majority of those who agreed, Leo was officially appointed as the leader of the second squad.

　'Nevertheless,' said Rosario.

'The Abyss, Purgatory, Dead Swamp and Abominable Light. The labyrinths are falling one after another as if connecting lines from kingdom to kingdom. It is indeed a joyous occasion. But isn't it a bit unnatural?
That's true. All the nations that haven't moved in the last ten years, and now they're going to defeat the labyrinth all at once.

　The Pope nodded at Rosario's words.
　Ever since the Abominable Light Labyrinth was rebuilt, the Church State had forbidden him to touch the labyrinth.
　That was because there was an announcement from God.

''If you mess with the labyrinth, the Church State will suffer a great deal of pain. Keep the labyrinth sealed with a ward until that time comes.''

　As a result of following that prophecy, the Abominable Light Labyrinth was defeated before he knew it.
　And soon after, it was attacked by the Demon King's army.
　Decades of stagnation had crumbled and it was clear that something was happening in the world.

I think the problem in this case ...... is that the beginning is the kingdom,

　Even thirty years ago, the first time it was defeated was in the Abyssal Maze.
　It was defeated by the heroic Amatsu.
　And this time, too, the labyrinths are being defeated in the order of proximity to that kingdom.

I'm not sure if new heroes have already appeared in this world. I'm sure you'll be able to see a black-haired boy kicking out demons on the last battlefield. That possibility is high.
Yes. Then we can defeat the Demon King's army this time!　Oh, oh, how wonderful!　Brave man, brave man. ...... I'd love to see you at first sight.

　The cult leaders buzzed at the conversation between Rosario and Maria.
　Among them, Leo was silent with a somber look on his face.

(...... Iori-kun)

　Leo witnessed him eat the attack of the Four Heavenly Kings.
　It's unlikely that he's alive after that one.

''Oh, Leo, what's wrong?''
....... No.

　Leo prays, managing to fool the rosary who looks into his face.
　''Iori and Elfi, please be safe for them.

''-- At any rate, the captain's empty seat has been filled. And there was a sign from God. From here on out, the path we must take has already been determined.

　Maria said with a dignified expression.

''-- An all-out war with the Demon King's army. Let's start preparing for that, shall we?


You're not going to be able to do that.

　And so, while the world was stirring.
　Even in the Demon King's Castle, there was movement.

"--What are you thinking about!

　The proxy of the Demon King, the Four Heavenly Kings "Ame" Lefise Gregoria shouted in a state of rage.
　Her anger is directed at Lucifina, who is in communication with the magic item.
　Lucifina giggles as the entire Demon King's Castle seems to have been shaken by the scream.

''We lost Gracia-san and ...... the former Demon King escaped, and the heroes survived!　This alone is an extraordinary situation, but what do you want to do, such as burning Volk-san's village!
"What proof that I burned it--
I don't want to hear excuses or excuses. Mr. Volk reported that you attacked his village. Who else would be capable of such a thing but you?

　He must have realized that he couldn't get away with it because of Lefise's tone of voice without saying anything.
　Easily, Lucifina admitted it.
　The tone of voice that shows no remorse makes a vein rise in the forehead of Lefise.

''Volk-san interrupted me and helped a brave man who was about to attack the fort. I can only assume that you have treasonous intentions.''
It was you. You would have attacked the village before he betrayed you. Considering his character, if you hadn't done such a thing, Mr. Volk wouldn't have disturbed you.
"...... Right.

　Lucifina stops making excuses and admits it.

'But ...... I had two choices. Lose me or lose Volk-san. Who is more important to the Demon King's army, me or him?''
............

　At Lucifina's words, Lefise fell silent.
　Personally, I definitely wanted Volk to be there.
　But in terms of strength, Volk and Lucifina are incomparable.

'And ...... "Rain". Didn't you want Gracia-san to die?''
----
"She's the one who killed your father. You know that, don't you?

　At Lucifina's words, Lefise was silent.
　Taking that as a good thing, Lucifina continued.

'And you don't trust me either, do you?　You see, I'm like this. I've got a personality that seems to betray me.''
...... You're aware of that, aren't you?
"Yes, handsome.
............
"So you have no expectations of me or Miss Gracia. You don't trust and you don't give a d*mn about trust.
What is the point of ......?
''I'm sure you've already got people to fill the void of the Four Heavenly Kings, right?　I'm saying,'
...... Come on, I don't know.

　Lefise blurted out, but she could hear a penetrating smile from the end of the communicator.
　She's a creepy woman, Lefise thought.

''I'm going to go and crush the brave man now. Because it's not good for my mental health to leave him on the loose any longer.''
You wouldn't listen to me if I told you to stay in the fort, would you?
'Yes, well. So, please send someone to the fort who can compete with Mary in her country of origin. ...... Well, I'm sure there aren't many people like that, but I trust your skills there.'

　Aside from the brave and former Demon King, the biggest obstacle in the current situation is Maria Theresia Stragen of the Church State.
　There aren't many people who can stop her from overwhelming even the Four Heavenly Kings with a single rider.

''It's ...... too selfish, isn't it?''
''Since the Demon King is absent, you and I must be the de facto leaders, right?
I am the Acting Demon King.
"-- former equals (・・・・・・・)

　Lucifina's words sent an ache in Gyuh and Lefise's stomach.
　This woman is always like that.
　How many times do I have to drive myself to the bathroom to make myself feel better?

''So, I'll let you do what you want.''
"Miss Lucifina.
"Yes?
''If you do any more things to the Demon King's army's detriment, I'll kill you.

　Lucifina's laughter, coming from the caller, stopped at the cold Lefise's words.
　Then, after replying with a single word, 'I understand,' Lucifina hung up the call.
　Instantly, the room fell silent.

'..................'

　After letting out a big sigh, Lefise leaves the room.
　We are heading to a room at the far end of the Demon King's Castle, a room that is forbidden to enter.
　The wards that sealed off the room have now been lifted.

''...... Phew.''

　Feeling a stomach ache in another way, Lefise flattens her cheeks to keep her composure.
　Taking a deep breath, Lefise stepped into the room.
　The room was filled with darkness and silence.

'............'

　A short distance away, there was a large crystal.
　It was a type of warding that assisted in the healing of magic power.
　Inside the crystal, a demon race was sleeping.

''----''

　Suddenly, there was a cracking sound.
　The crystals cracked and gradually spread throughout.
　Finally, the crystal shattered into pieces.

''----.''

　Softly, a demon race landed on the ground.

'...... Are you awake, Master Ortegia (・・・・・・)?'

　The demon tribe does not respond to the voice, but looks up at the ceiling with its golden twin eyes.
　I don't know what I was thinking, but I let out a small breath.
　Then, while playing with his long silver hair, the demon tribe said, ''-- I'm hungry.


''--I'm hungry.''