The deepest part was the throne room.
　Although it was decaying, there were traces of ornate decoration in places.

　The throne room is wide enough to allow for a bit of exercise.
　At the far end of it is a throne that is in tatters.
　A man sat there.

　He's far older than us he's old enough to be a first-timer.
　His hair, which is mixed with white hair, is slicked back.
　It's a black coat that he wears.

'Lane, be careful.
I know.

　I didn't need to listen to Rifa's advice, but my instincts told me that was someone I shouldn't underestimate.
　He may look like an old man, but inside he's a completely different animal.
　Just confronting him like this makes sweat run down my back.

''You guys are the intruders?''

　The old man opened his mouth.
　His voice was wrinkled, but full of a soul-shaking menace.

'Let me at least introduce myself. My name is Weiss.
It's the Lane Shroud.
Hmm?　The one Reese was talking about.
"Lease?
Well that's a gaffe. That's all right. You're not gonna be around much longer.

　Weiss stands up.
　Everyone took their positions.

'Seeing as how the daughter of the demon race is here, you have come to disturb me, haven't you?
"So, I'm assuming you're aware that you're generating the stampede?
Yeah, yeah.
You admit it so easily, don't you?
I don't like useless communication. Besides, it's not something I'm going to keep hidden.
Who the hell are you?　Why are you doing this?
As you may have guessed, I'm a demon.
You...?

　I knew he wasn't an ordinary person.
　I had heard about it from Rifa but still, I didn't know this old man was a demon race.
　Compared to the guy who appeared in Horizon before, many things are different.

''Hmm. That face looks like you've seen a demon tribe before, right?　Mostly because I'm different from him, I suppose.

　Do I look that obvious...?
　At a time like this, though, I can't help but think about it.

"Just as there are various strongest species, there are various demon races. Well, this figure is a magic-created temporary one.
I see...
Well let's leave the lecture to it. Let's get started, shall we?

　Magic and fighting spirit emanate from Weiss' body.

''Let's let us even the strength gap first?''

　Weiss snapped his fingers.
　As if in response to the sound, Weiss's shadow spread out in a circle.
　One by one, demons are pouring out of the shadows.
　It's like half B-rank and half A-rank demons, I guess.

　And.........

It's been a long time, Miss Lane. Do you remember me?
You're Monica, right?

　A woman appeared from the back, clad in knight's armor.
　She was holding a drawn sword in her hand and had a bewitching smile on her face.

''You seem to remember me. That's good. I'd be a bit dumb if you forgot,''
Why are you here?
'It's a simple answer. I mean, I don't have any other answer. It's because I'm on the side of the demon race.......
Are you a demon too?
No. I'm human.
"Humans on the side of the demons...?　Monica, what the hell are you...
''Hmph. It will be fun to chat with Rain-san.......but that's for another time. Right now, I'm one of Lord Weiss's pawns.

　Monica said and lined up one step behind Weiss, her sword at the ready.
　It's a seamless stance.
　The sword is not an ordinary one either, and when you see the letters engraved on the blade, it looks like some kind of magic sword.

The best way to do this is to have a good idea of what to expect.
Nah don't you dare underestimate us. I think we're pretty good at that.
Do you think we're stronger than we are?
If you stand up to them, there will be no mercy!
I'll just say it.

　Weiss says confidently.
　Even though he has to deal with such a strongest species, he doesn't show an ounce of agitation or timidity.
　He has absolute confidence and does not doubt his victory.
　It's better to assume that there is a hidden agenda.

Be careful, everyone. The confidence he has in himself does not come from simple bravery, but from a certain amount of calculation.
You're saying you have a plan to win against all of us?
I think it's a trap.
'I don't know, but we need to be extremely vigilant. If there are traps, let's be careful to deal with them quickly.
Hmm. That's pretty cool and intelligent for a human. I'm a little impressed. You're not like the demon tribe that rushed in like a wild boar before.
Huh!

　Rifa bared her sharp, elongated canine teeth and glared at Weiss as if she were going to bite him.
　If he wasn't with us, he would have jumped straight at him.

　Seeing Rifa's reaction, Weiss says, as if remembering.

''Hmm. Come to think of it, I've seen that little girl's face before. It resembles the earlier demon race.''
"...I'm your brother's sister. I will avenge my brother!
"Oh, I see.

　Weiss laughs happily.
　He reacts like a child who has found an interesting toy.

'Rejoice, daughter of the demon race. Let's get you together with your brother.
What are you...?

　Weiss swings a right hand to the side of the head.
　Everyone braces themselves as soon as possible but.......nothing happens.

　When I looked at Weiss quizzically, he revealed a grin and a smile full of malice.
　And then.........that malice is revealed.

　A path extended from either side of the throne.
　Perhaps it was a passage that led to the king's private room and so on.
　Multiple figures appeared from there.

''Wha...?

　There were four men and women who appeared.
　Their faces look inorganic, as if they have masks on, with no signs of life.
　Their movements are awkward, as if the bones in their limbs were broken.

　And ... they all had horns on their foreheads.

''Don't tell me they're hostages!
'That would be a useful move, though. Unfortunately, I don't think so. I didn't anticipate your attack when I killed those men.
So what's the...
'Oh ... ah ...'
Rifa?

　He noticed that Rifa was acting strangely.
　She looked at one of the demon tribe men and her body was shaking with a shocked look on her face.

　The emotions floating on his face cannot be expressed in very few words.
　However, if I dare to put one thing into words........
　Joy.

'....Brother........'
What?

　So.........you don't think that demon tribe guy is Rifa's brother?

　But the man doesn't seem to notice us.....Rifa, and he doesn't respond in any way.
　He just moves awkwardly like a doll, and then follows behind Weiss.

''This is........''
I'll show you what I can do.

　Weiss says with a look of enjoyment on his face.
　He looks really happy....
　And it was ugly.

'Demons are similar to demons in some ways. Each one of them has their own original abilities. The demon race you once defeated had the ability to divide itself into beasts and divide itself endlessly... self-propagation.
Where did you get that...?
Well. I'm not going to give you that much credit. But I will give you my power. My ability is control.
Operation...?
''This is how I can connect the threads of magic and control the subject at will.

　Upon closer inspection, five.....There were a total of ten threads of light extending from Weiss' fingertips.
　Those threads were connected to the people of the demon race.

''No way........''
You're getting the idea. Well this thing is already dead.
Huh.
And now she's my puppet. You are a loyal servant and will do anything I ask of you. Like, for example, this.

　Weiss crooked his fingers lightly, and Rifa's brother moved.
　Perhaps it was the remains of the fight with Weiss, but many parts of his body were injured.
　Still unconcerned, Rifa's brother waved his arm.

　Blood flew out from the wounds on his arm, and it generated into a small spear.
　It flies straight to.........

What?

　It grazed Rifa's cheek.
　Her cheek was cut and a small amount of blood flowed.

'Like this I can make my own sister attack me. You can force her to do anything you want, just like controlling a doll. Henceforth, I am known as. Marionette Master.
You!

　This guy.................I will never forgive him!