LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 100 - Episode 100: Zaus and the Demon King's Scheme
Episode 100: Zaus and the Demon King’s Scheme
Demon King Hebrah presented the five demons to participate. The Demon King himself leading the way, followed by the second-in-command, and finally, the last general.
With a smirk that seemed to express victory, Hebrah spoke, “Hehehe. If you can defeat these five including me, I’ll surrender unconditionally. With the same terms, only five will be sacrificed.”
So, if our five lose, my territory will belong to the Demon King. In other words…
“The victory in this group battle will mark the end of this war,” I said.
“That’s right, Braa,” the Demon King chuckled.
Hmm. Efficient and not bad at all. It’s much more reasonable than facing the attack of ten thousand dragons. It seems the surrounding demons are the arbiters of victory or defeat.
Alright then, “Let’s hear the rules of victory and defeat.”
“Hehehe. Victory will be decided by surrender or death. Oh, and one more thing. Shall we set the stage?”
With a wave of the Demon King’s hand, the ground rumbled loudly. Then, the earth slightly rose, forming a flat stage. It was about 200 meters in length and circular in shape.
“Since we’ve set up the stage, should we add a rule for being out of bounds?” the Demon King suggested.
Hmm. Let’s summarize the rules.
“A 5-on-5 group battle. Victory or defeat will be determined by surrender or the death of the target. Additionally, falling outside the stage is considered out of bounds. If the representatives of the five are defeated, we will surrender all territories. Is that correct?”
“Hehehe. That’s right,” the Demon King confirmed.
…The outcome of the battle is uncertain. Therefore, thorough preparation is necessary. Perhaps this group battle itself is just a way to buy time, and the Demon King’s army may have reinforcements.
At that moment, Saizou, a member of the Sai Warrior Tribe, appeared beside me.
“Lord Zaus, additional heavy knights have arrived.”
“How are the defenses in the urban areas of each city?”
“The deployment of Zaus Heavy Knights by the Orc tribe is complete. It’s possible to defend against the dragon’s fireball attacks with the Fat Guard of Excessive Flesh Defense, Sai.”
“Good.What about the evacuation of the citizens?”
“We’ve entrusted it to the Harpy tribe, but it seems to be taking a bit more time, Sai. There are quite a few citizens leaving the central urban areas.”
…It seems more time is needed after all. I recall that stray dragon fireballs have landed within our territory.
“Are there any casualties?”
“There are no reports of injuries, Sai.”
“Good. Ensure thorough defense. Hasten the evacuation of the citizens with the Harpies.”
“As you command.”
We must get through this battle with zero casualties, no matter what.
“Now, let’s select our five representatives,” the Demon King declared with a sinister laugh.
Five representatives… If it’s a knockout, it might be best for me to lead the vanguard. If I lead the vanguard and win, there won’t be any damage to my subordinates.
“That’s right, Zaus. Since there’s such a crowd gathered here, why don’t we show off the strength of each other’s subordinates? Hehehe. Or perhaps you lack confidence?”
Oh boy. So, that’s how it is.
“The leaders of both teams should only be the captain not the vanguard. Otherwise, it won’t be exciting”
Gaonga, a lion person, showed a gallant smile at the Demon King’s words.
“Boss! Please put me in the vanguard! I’ll crush the Demon King’s army!” he exclaimed.
Hmm. He’s strong and the most spirited among the team. He might be suited for the vanguard.
So, as the leader, I’ll take the position of general, leaving three more to choose from.
Should I choose Gobtaro the Goblin as the second-in-command? He’s diligent and consistently strong.
For the mid-tier, how about Arjena the Demon Slayer? I heard she’s been hunting Metal Hitodens in large numbers and has powered up considerably. Her strength can be relied upon.
And for the vice-captain, it’ll be Caphrodyte the Great Sage. She’s the top in terms of intellect and magical power among our allies.
“These are the five for my team,” I declared.
“Braaah! Hahaha. Now, let the game begin!”
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〜〜Demon King’s Perspective〜〜
Nufufufu.
Braaaaaaah! Hahaha! They fell right into my trap. Gufufu. The interesting game has begun.
Kukuku.
This game has significance.
The Zaus army’s statuses are invisible due to concealment magic. That’s the only part that’s oddly concerning.
Well, such a thing is unlikely. But just in case, if our army’s level happened to be low, it would result in significant losses.
To minimize damage, we’ll observe their strength in this game as a precaution. Kukuku.
Well, victory is already assured anyway.
According to the pre-battle intel, Zaus’ limit level was 240,000. Even with power-ups from training, it would barely reach 300,000.
My level is 660,000. There’s more than twice the difference compared to Zaus.
With me as the leader, our victory is 100% guaranteed.
While there’s a scenario where Zaus’ army combined level might exceed ours if they ignore the rules and cooperates.
But even in that scenario, it’s not a problem.
Because we have the Demon Wall Devourer Wall.
This is an absolute privilege granted only to Demon Race. Demons cannot attack the Demon King.
Kukuku. By the time that fool Zaus realizes this fact, he’ll be in despair. Just imagining it makes me burst into laughter.
Only a Hero’s Proof can break the Demon Wall Devourer Wall. The moment you defeated the Hero Cea, our victory was assured.
Kukuku. I can’t help but laugh. No matter how much the level difference, they can’t inflict damage on me.
Kukuku. With our absolute victory assured, all I need to do is make Zaus despair.
“Yes, yes! I’ve heard the rules! Everyone, listen up!”
Who’s that woman?
A dark-skinned girl with unusually large breasts.
She seems like a merchant, but she’s standing in the middle of the stage, and her voice sounds oddly loud. Is she using amplification magic for her resonating voice?
“This here. It’s made by Miss Caphrodyte, a magic amplifier. It’s called a microphone. It amplifies your voice with magic, making it a convenient item, ya know.”
Oh boy. Is that so?
But what’s her intention?
“Who are you? If you’re going to disrupt this entertainment, we’ll remove you.”
“W-Wait a minute! I’m the merchant, Namba Akindora. I run the Demon Duke Commercial Guild within Zaus’ territory.”
“Hmph. What’s a merchant doing here?”
“It’s a merchant’s duty to liven up the game. Everything’s about business, ya know.”
Liven up the game?
“If there are rules to the game, isn’t there a need for someone to explain the situation? That’s where we come in.”
“Hmph. And what’s the point of that?”
“That’s why it’s business, ya know. Miss Mishiri, Mr. Lizardmaru, let’s get started.”
With Namba’s command, people carrying goods appeared.
A lizardman pulled the cart, and a woman dressed as a priest sold goods.
“We have ice, cookies, jerky, and ale! It’ll make watching the game more enjoyable!”
Selling to the Demon King’s army, huh?
“What’s your intention?”
“It’s business, after all. Everything’s profit-oriented.”
“Don’t tell me you’ve laced them with poison? Our detoxification skill won’t be fooled, you know?”
“Hahaha. We wouldn’t do such a thing. The Demon Duke Commercial Guild operates on trust above all else.”
“Hmph. So, what’s this about explaining?”
“The Demon King’s army and the Demon Duke army. With reinforcements, there are over 20,000 spectators. In such a situation, explaining the match’s situation would be helpful for everyone to understand.”
I see.
That way, we can highlight Zaus’ blunder even more strongly.
Kukuku. Excellent. This is a good idea.
“Of course, we’re running a business here. We’ll accept payment for our commentator services.”
“Ohh… quite shrewd. Fine, I’ll pay you.”
“Thank you!”
My subordinates eagerly jumped at the ale being sold on the cart.
It must be of exceptional quality. They drank in high spirits, exclaiming, “Delicious, delicious.”
The Demon Duke Commercial Guild, huh?
This woman named Namba seems to be doing quite a good job.
I want her.
Kukuku. If Zaus loses and the Demon Duke’s territory becomes ours, this woman will become one of our subordinates.
“Alright, it’s begun! It’s a 5-on-5 team battle between the Demon King’s army and the Demon Duke’s army. I’ll be your host! I’m Namba Akindora! Nice to meet you all!”
The arena was filled with cheers.
“Crush them, Zaus’ army!”
“Don’t lose to the Demon King’s army!”
“Kill them, Drag!”
“Defeat them!”
The tense atmosphere suddenly turned festive.
Kukuku. Excellent.
If Zaus suffers a major defeat here, his value will plummet.
There are still demons who admire him for defeating the Hero Cea.
Zaus, who has turned traitor, must be punished as an example.
Overwhelming defeat.
That’s what he deserves.
And if he loses, the Demon Duke’s territory will be ours.
Braaaaaah!
Winning this battle, I’ll turn the Demon Duke Commercial Guild into the Demon King Commercial Guild!
“Go, Dragonias. Show them the strength of the Dragon Tribe.”
“Yes! There’s no way the Lion Tribe, mere kittens, can defeat the Dragon Tribe.”
Namba raised her voice.
“Nowww!! The first match is starting! It’s a knockout match starting from the vanguard! For the Demon King’s team, we have Dragonias from the Dragon Tribe. And for the Demon Duke’s team, we have Gaonga from the Lion Tribe!”
Demon King’s Team:
Vanguard: Dragonias of the Dragon Tribe
Second: Bladian of the Vampire Tribe
Midfield: Strategist Fugutar
Vice-Captain: Evil Dragon God, Jarme Gebazabahmar
Captain: Demon King Hebrah
Demon Duke’s Team:
Vanguard: Gaonga of the Lion Tribe
Second: Gobtaro of the Goblin Tribe
Midfield: Arjena, the Demon Slayer
Vice-Captain: Great Sage Caphrodyte
Captain: Demon Duke Zaus
Namba shouted loudly.
“Nowwww!! The first match is starting! It’s a knockout match starting from the vanguard! For the Demon King’s team, we have Dragonias from the Dragon Tribe. And for the Demon Duke’s team, we have Gaonga from the Lion Tribe!”