The Demon King's Castle.

　As the name suggests, it is the Demon King's castle, and it is also a fortress that can be activated as the final defense mechanism of the demon world when the need arises.

　However, its activation is accompanied by several conditions and preparations.
　In the past, when I defeated Yurisha with Lyle, the defense mechanism was never used.

　In the first place, it is said that the Demon King's Castle has only been activated a few times in the history of the Demon World itself.
　Basically, the demon world is covered by a ward to shut out the invasion of gods and brave men.

　But in less than two months, that invasion will become a reality.
　In preparation for that, the defense mechanism of the Demon King's Castle must be prepared for that.

''Then, I'm going to inspect them one by one. Since it will be a painstaking task, if you don't mind, you can leave it to me.

　Tsukuyomi said.

'We need some time,'
How long will it take you to do that?

　I asked him.

The brave men should be invading again in less than two months. If possible, I'd like to make it there in time.
A week is all it would take.
Thank you. Okay, can I ask?　Let me know if you need any other help.
No, I think it's best if I do this on my own. It would be more of a hindrance if someone else were to be present.

　Tsukuyomi bows her head.

''In the name of Alchemist General (Alchemist) Tsukuyomi──I will surely fulfill the Demon King's life.

　Aside from his character, he was as reliable as he could be in terms of ability.

　　　　

　When I looked up, I saw a large crack in the sky.
　I heard that the wards protecting the demon world had cracked during the recent battle with the Tenso High King (Divine Gear).

　With the possibility that brave men and divine relatives might attack from that crack, Regal was assigned to the defense.

　There are undead under his command around.
　All of them were fierce men carefully selected by Regal.

　Gi.......................
　Suddenly, the cracks began to distort, making a creaking sound.

'An enemy attack?'

　Regal draws his sword from his waist.
　A snarky sword with a design that looks like a combination of bones.

"Wait.... It's me, Regal.

　A huge silhouette appeared from the other side of the crack in space.

　It was nearly four meters tall.
　It was a lion beastman with an imposing physique.
　Its swirling, upside-down tendrils were like flames.
　His entire body was clad in a glittering golden armor.

''Zegert...!

　Regal exclaims in surprise.

　The Beast Emperor (Gigantroa) Zegart.
　He was one of the seven great demon army chiefs and a great man who was also known as the strongest in the demon world when it came to white army combat.

I've been to the human world several times looking for you, but I couldn't find you. I'm glad you're safe.
I'm sorry. I'm sorry, I got injured fighting the humans. We had to concentrate on healing in a very secluded area.
...Are the wounds good enough for you?

　In less than two months, we'll have a decisive battle with the heroes.
　With Zegert's help, it will be a great asset.

Hmmm. I'll be ready for battle. In the coming battle, I will dispatch the brave men.

　It was a reliable word.

'By the way, I hear the Demon King has been replaced.

　Zegert cuts in.

'How is the new Demon King, from your point of view?
It's sweet,

　The Immortal King growled at the Beast Emperor's question.

''But he is strong. If you just look at his fighting ability alone, he's a cut above all the other Demon Kings of all time.
Hmm, I've heard of you.

　Zegart chuckled.

''I heard that you even destroyed that Heaven's most powerful weapon, the Heavenly Soul High King (Divine Gear).
Yeah.

　For Regal, the Demon King defeated a hopeless opponent without a struggle that seemed to be a struggle.
　With that kind of power, it wouldn't be difficult to even destroy the human world.

　Of course, we don't know what kind of enemies we have on the side of the gods.
　Even if they were invincible in a frontal battle, their opponents might come in the form of arrows.

　Or even if they don't have the means to block the power of the demon king or weaken it──that's not necessarily true.

(But even so──it's still naive.)

　Let the humans perish.
　We should fight to the bitter end.

　Regal's idea is simple.

　Once, when he was a human, he was severely betrayed by a man he thought was his best friend.
　Ever since, the humans had been regarded by him as an ugly race to be spat upon.

　The way the Demon King fought against such humans, sometimes seeming to be holding back, was frustrating and unpalatable.

''You don't seem convinced.
...a little bit.
What would a more belligerent king do?

　Zegart lifted the corners of his mouth and smiled.

'What?'
'I recognize the power. But I don't agree with you on the countermeasures against gods and humans - if you put your mind to it, that is.
"Your summing up of the situation is a bit too rough. I'm the one who, at least as of now, recognizes the Demon King as the Lord of the Rings.
Are you sure?

　The look in Zegart's eyes, as if he could see through them.
　Regal did not like those eyes.

Oh, well. By the way, I would like to have an audience with the Demon King.

　Zegart's smile deepens as he says it.

'And afterwards, I want to talk to you, too. I've got a lot to discuss with you.
"Consult?
It can't be too bad for you, Regal.

　The Beast Emperor's eyes became even sharper.