Vander, the capital of the Gransilk Empire, is the imperial capital.
　Vander is covered by strong walls, and is also called the City of Walls.
　Its protection is so strong that it has never been breached.

　Structurally, there are no city walls above the imperial city.
　However, in the event of an emergency, a powerful barrier will be deployed to keep out attacks from above.
　Due to the problem of the cost of magic, the current virtual truce with the Demon King's army means that no wards have been set up, but even so, it can be said that Vandell is one of the three safest cities among the countries that exist in Latesia.

　In such a city, visitors from various countries had gathered.
　They were ushered into the imperial castle and waited in one large room.
　Sitting on chairs and waiting for the meeting to begin are the heads of state.
　And behind them as they sit in their chairs are the people who have been brought in as bodyguards.

The heads of state are seated in the chairs behind them, and behind them are the people who have been brought in as guards. Are there any sweet treats to be served for this meeting of important people?

　In the formal room, a girl sounded out of place and bright.
　It was a chestnut-haired girl in an ill-fitting robe.
　Her amber eyes narrowed sleepily as she spoke to the woman standing next to her with a yawn.

　Her name is Chris Grimnoats.
　She is the leader of the Protectorate Magicians, formed to protect the Empire.
　He is known as a genius sorcerer who once competed with the "Great Magic".

I'm sure this meeting is going to be a long one. I'm sure you'll be able to get some tea. Even if they don't, I bought some sweets for personal use before I arrived. We can serve them after the meeting.

　The one who answered Chris's question was an ash-haired woman wearing blue and silver armor.
　Her name is Maria Theresa Stragen.
　She is the leader of the first squadron of the Cathedral Knights, the pride of the Church Country, and also the leader of the Order.

''Wow, you did it!　What kind of candy?
"A sweet pastry made of wheat, from a place near Schmelz. It's crunchy and very tasty, and I love to eat it.

　Chris jumped up and down happily, while Maria replied with a supremely serious expression on her face.
　However, as soon as they exchanged such an exchange, Maria raised her eyebrows and asked Chris a question.

''Sorry for the rude question, but are you sure you're Chris Grimnotes?　I remember the last time I met her, she was a strange woman.
Oh, that's my mother. Actually, Chris Grimnott's is hereditary.
What. So that's it. I owe a lot to that old Chris, you know.
No, no, no, no, no, little girl, what a fool you are.

　Maria's eyes widened in surprise, and she accepted Chris' words with open arms.
　Then a tsk-tsk came from across Maria in a disgusted voice.

It's a good thing that Chris has been playing around with his whole body using magic, and at the end of the day, he's been embedding magic items and other items that give him magical powers. That's why his appearance changes regularly. The last time I saw her, she was a bonnie, bonnie sister.

　It's a good thing that you're not going to be able to get a good idea of what you're looking for.
　It's a good thing that you don't feel like you're being sternly criticized because of the expression on your face, though there are a number of scars etched on his face reminiscent of his previous battles.
　He was the kind of man that people would call a good-natured old man.

　The man's name was Gardar Agaronte.
　He's an adventurer who belongs to the Confederacy.
　He was one of the only five S-ranked adventurers who were recruited directly from the Representative Assembly.
　Although he has a good-natured attitude, he is not at all lacking in vigilance of his surroundings on this occasion.

''This is Gardar!　Stop giving us such nonsense. I was just playing with Maria.
'Don't play with the head of the Cathedral Knights, old lady!　You're doing a lot of heretical stuff, you need to pull yourself together!　If it comes to a fight, get out there and do it!

　Looking at the two people who were arguing, Maria put her hand to her chin in interest, "Hmm.

In other words, Chris-dono is the same person as the previous Chris-dono. Changing your appearance with magic is a very interesting thing to do. But it's interesting. To tell you the truth, I also care a lot about my beauty. Can you tell me how Chris-dono keeps his youthfulness intact?
That's a trade secret.
...... I see. Too bad.
'No, no, no, it's not on the level of beauty or anything like that, you old woman!

　There is not a single part of Chris's body that has not been used with magic.
　The extremities, head, hair, and even skin have been altered by magic and magic power granting products.
　There are people who can keep their appearance young, but there is no one other than Chris who can change his or her appearance in a flash.

''But, Chris-san. Why did you make your body look so hard to fight in again?　You could have had a muscular body or something, right?
You know. Every time I look in the mirror, I go, "Wow! Look at me in the mirror, I'm pretty!　I even change my body because it's fun for me to be like, "I'm changing my body, me!
f*ck you, man.

　Removing his gaze from the dumbfounded Gardar's face, Chris grinned and spoke to Maria with a smirk on his face.

The truth is. I've heard that the loli hag seems to be the trend nowadays.
Ro......ri?
'It's the old woman, Lori. The term refers to a child who is an old man in body and tone, but cute on the outside. From now on, the Lolita hag will be famous all over the world, so you should study up on it, too, Maria.
'Lori, old lady. Lori's an old lady. Okay, I've learned. I'll tell the rosaries when I get home.
So don't tell me what to do!　I've never heard of that!　I mean, don't let your little girl get fooled by the colosseum, either!

　While they are exchanging such exchanges, dignitaries from various countries enter the room.

　The king of the Onryn Kingdom.
　The Selectman, who was brought in as his bodyguard.
　And a retired knight, Renhi Avenger, known as the Old Strong Man.

　Three representatives from the sub-human autonomous region, who came as representatives.
　The representative of the fairy species (elves), Mikaela Luminary.
　Gotham Bossum, the representative of the Dwarf race (Dwarf).
　The representative of the human dog breed (Wardog), Ains Dolgren.
　All three are known to be among the best in the Great Forest.

'Looks like we're all here.

　The Emperor, who had remained silent until then, spoke up as he made sure that those who had arrived had taken their seats.

''Then shall we begin the meeting that will determine the fate of the world?

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

　The heavyweights of the nations gathered in the Empire to hold a conference.
　Since a few months ago, the five general labyrinths had been falling one after another.
　Now that the number of labyrinths that had been plaguing each country had decreased to this point, this would be an opportunity to strike the Demon King's Army.

　Furthermore, a few days ago, it was confirmed that a strange magical power was spreading from the direction of the Demon King's territory.
　At the same time, it was speculated that Ortegia might have revived, as the demons in various areas were beginning to activate.
　If Ortegia awakens, the situation will move even if it is not.
　If that is the case, the common understanding among the nations is that we should take the initiative by making a move.

　From now on, how to send an army into the Demon King's territory.
　This was when the discussion about this was about to begin.

''Before that, I would like to ask the kingdom one question, if you don't mind.

　The Pope of the Church State raised his hand and looked at the King.

'The kingdom is hiding something from us, is it not?　That's also very important in fighting the Demon King's army.

　The king's eyes widened at the pope's point.
　Sweat flowed from his forehead, which was glistening with grease.

'Ah, ah, ....... As for Liuzas Gilburn not being here--'
'That's concerning, but it's more important than that. The Church State believes that the kingdom may have summoned the brave men in secret.
''Huh?''

　That the fall of the labyrinth started from the kingdom and continued like a line.
　A few months before the abyssal labyrinth fell, the kingdom had been gathering a large amount of magical stones from various places.
　Within the Church, a person who seemed to be a brave man had been seen.

　The Pope speaks about these things in a voluminous tone.

''
No way.

　Hearing this, the representative of the Confederation and the Emperor simultaneously let out a voice.
　He then spoke up, saying that it was the presence of two adventurers that caused the Purgatory Labyrinth and Dead Swamp Labyrinth to fall.
　Their appearances matched the figures witnessed within the Church.

'Let me ask you again. There is something you are hiding from us, isn't there?
'Yes, no, that's ......

　That was the moment when the king tried to get away with it.

"----

　An icy killing spirit shot out from right behind the Pope towards the King.
　Maria turned her gaze to the king with a slackened expression on her face.

　There are those in the Saint's Hall Knights who would spare their lives to repay God.
　Regardless of the difference in strength or the number of people, there are fanatics who will cut down on the divine enemy.
　Maria is one of them.
　"Those who defile the prestige of the Holy Light God Melt, even if they are the lord of a country, will not be tolerated.

''Your Majesty. I'm sorry, but I can't protect you against her.

　Reacting to Maria's killing spree, Renhi, the king's guard, and the selectors are bracing themselves.
　But it was obvious that even if it took all of them, they would not be able to defeat Maria.
　At Lenhi's words, the king opened his mouth in contemplation.

'...... Surely, the kingdom has summoned a brave man.

　The king's words caused a murmur in the room.
　He summons a brave man.
　Because it was nothing short of hope for the nations.

　But the king quickly continued his words.

'But this is not the consensus of the kingdom.
What does that mean?
'As I mentioned earlier, ...... this summons was done by Leusas Gilburn on his own initiative.

　Once again, a murmur arises.
　Speaking of Ryuzas Gilburn, he was a hero who fought with Amatsu in the battle thirty years ago.
　His presence means a great deal not only to the kingdom, but to each country.

　The king speaks.

　Ryuzas used his power to summon the brave man on his own accord.
　However, since it wasn't a formal summons, the ones summoned were those who couldn't fully handle the 'Proof of Bravery'.
　Even so, he was chosen by Melt.
　The kingdom tried to treat the brave man generously, but Ryuzas once again took him away to the Abyssal Labyrinth on his own accord.

　It's not clear how he did it, but he and the heroes defeated the Abyss.
　It would have been nice if that was all, but he disappeared with the heroes.
　The kingdom sent selectors to chase after Liuzas to bring back the hero.

　Later, they found Liuzas, but could not find the brave man.
　The selectors tried to get the location of the brave man from Liuzas, but a battle ensued.
　Most of the selectors died, and in the end, Ryuzas died as well.
　Even now, they are still searching for the brave men, but they have not found them.

''If the Demon King's army finds out about this, they will try to kill the brave man. That's why we have decided to keep the existence of the brave man under wraps until we protect him.

　Everyone in the room fell silent at the king's words.

　The brave men were missing and Liuzas was dead.
　Many of the selectors are dead, and the kingdom has lost a great deal of strength.
　It's the worst situation.

'...... You're lying, right?　The guy from Liuzas, is he dead ......?

　In the midst of all this, Chris, stunned, opens his mouth.

'I've been losing all the time, so ...... I thought I'd win this time.

　The air in the room grew heavier as Chris's shoulders slumped.
　It was when the emperor was about to open his mouth that he couldn't continue like this.

''--Listen, you foolish humans and subhumans.''

　A voice rang out from the skies above the Imperial City.


◆

　Countless demons were flying in the sky above the imperial capital Vandel.
　One of them, an individual more than two times larger than the other demons, opened its mouth wide with all its fangs.

''My name is Golvald. I am under the command of the great demon king, Ortegia-sama.

　The dragon species, who called himself Golubaldo, used his magic to make his voice echo throughout the Imperial City.

"Listen to me!　Our king, Ortegia, has returned!　I've come to tell you fools the end!

　A voice from the depths of the earth announced Ortegia's resurrection to the imperial capital.
　This was a declaration of war from the demon king's army.

　Seeing the imperial citizens screaming and panicking below him, Golvald sniffed.
　What is the imperial city, what is the castle shell city.
　If you came to hear that it was a place where humans and sub-humans held a meeting, it was a crappy place with nothing much to offer.
　I have been instructed to declare war and wait and see, but it would be inexpensive to just leave.

Then ...... while declaring war, let's drop the imperial capital and go home.

　Golubaldo roars towards the heavens.
　A moment later, the other dragon species roar in resonance and head towards the Imperial City.

　I hear that there is a heavyweight of each country in the imperial city.
　If we drop the imperial city and kill the heavyweights of each country, this war will become a lot easier.

　The ones Golubaldo has been leading are all young and ferocious demons.
　Among them, there are many dragon species that can be called the king of demons.
　And Golvald himself has such a powerful power that he can rival the "Earth Demon Generals".
　Dropping the imperial capital was a no-brainer.
　You will find that you will be able to get the most out of your own personal computer.

''I am in high spirits now.

　Together with those voices, all the breaths were played before they reached the Imperial City.
　A girl was standing on the roof of the imperial castle.
　As the girl thrust her hands forward, something like a tube shot out of her palm.

''--Then go away quickly, you mooks.

　Immediately afterwards, magic was released from the tube with tremendous force.
　The girl - the dragon species that were about to attack Chris - were shot through in an instant and fell to the ground.

'Petulant ......!　Kill that human!''

　Following Golubaldo's instructions, the demons charged at the human.
　But before it could reach Chris, the demon was shot down by another attack.

'Hee, the old lady is mad. Ooh, that's a scary one.
As I recall, he regarded Lord Liuzas as a one-sided rival. Maybe he's frustrated that he got away with a victory.
'Ah ....... How many attributes is that old lady trying to stuff in there ......?

　Two more people show up with lighthearted comments.
　They are the S-ranked adventurer Gardar and the old knight of the kingdom, Renhi.

　The two are conversing and defeating the approaching demons without a care in the world.
　Gardar is using his magic to pierce the monster's body, while Renhi is sending slashes flying to cut off its head.
　The attacks didn't miss once, and every time the two of them moved, the demons decreased in number.

The only thing I can think of to say is, "Renhi-san, you're going to do it. You are the one who fought with the "Heroic Amatsu"
I can't take it easy when you give me a compliment that I haven't even tried yet.
Yeah, he knows. I guess I'm not so good with old people, huh? Thanks.

　In the meantime, the demons are diminishing in number at a terrifying rate.
　It's not just the three on the roof that are attacking.
　Three sub-humans are shooting magic from the windows of the imperial castle.
　Due to their attacks, even the dragon species are being killed one after another.

''Ore......!''

　Gorvald realized that he had been naive in his perception.
　The people guarding the imperial castle are monsters who are as skilled in battle as the demon race.
　Fighting them from the front was not a good idea.

　Hence, Golvald decided to flee.
　However, after firing a mighty blow.
　Golvald moves to a position away from the imperial castle and activates a powerful magic.

''--"Collapse Stake (Collapse Stake)"

　What it produces is a stake as big as itself.
　If this thing hits, even those people won't be able to get away with it.

"Die, you lowly mortals!

　Golubaldo is about to unleash his magic.

You will die and you will be the lowest of the low.

　I heard a voice.
　A human voice, from very close by.

'Wha......!?'

　Turning his gaze towards the voice, Golvald was astonished.
　A lone woman had come right in front of Golvald, using the flying dragon species one after another as a foothold.
　The footholded dragon seed was crumpled up and dropped to the ground as if it had been trampled by something huge.

　The blue and silver armor it wears on its body.
　And that is the proof of being a cathedral knight.

It's a good thing that you are ...... the most powerful cathedral knight.

　"Tenkan" Maria Theresia Stragen.
　The most powerful cathedral knight of mankind was right in front of Golvald.

''----.''

　Changing his aim to Maria, Golvald unleashes a crumbling stake.
　No matter how strong the strongest of the human race is, it is impossible to receive this blow from an unstable foothold.
　Immediately after thinking this, Golvald realized that he had been naïve in his perceptions.

''----''

　Maria swung down the sword in her hand.
　That was all.
　With that alone, the crumbling stake was obliterated and the golbard that was beyond it was cut in two.

''So ...... nah,''

　With those words for the last time, Golvald's consciousness disappeared.
　Maria didn't show any emotion at the death of the headmaster and used the dragon seed as a foothold to return to the ground, just as she had come.

　In just less than ten minutes after the battle began, the demons that came to the imperial capital were annihilated.

It's done.

　Without a single bloodbath, Maria descended to the roof of the imperial castle.

''I'll take this one over here.
I guess the most powerful man in the world isn't really a nobleman.

　I shuddered at the sight of Gardar and Renhi, who had already taken care of the other dragon species, still not even gasping for breath after defeating the Demon General class enemies.
　Even in this place, Maria's battle power was extraordinary.

''Oh ......!　Those demons were so easy!
'That's overwhelming: ......!　We can win, we can win!

　The leaders who had been watching the battle from the window raised their voices.
　Maria looks down at the corpses of the demons as she hears the cheers coming from below.
　Then, with a beautiful smile on her face, which fascinates the viewer, she says

''--So, let's get the war started, shall we?