Chapter 88 – Worried, huh?

A method to cross over into Hell had been found. So now, if he just hurried the process, would that be the end?

Of course not. Even though he was a monster even by demon standards, he had no intention of becoming a truly unhinged, power-crazed fiend.

In the current situation, who would be the most worried about reopening the closed gate?

The espers? While they would certainly worry the most, they had overcome much until now, so they would be alright.

Then, the ordinary Imperial citizens without abilities? In any case, as long as they stayed near Sealstone, they could protect their daily lives.

Then the remaining answer would be one: those who had to bear the responsibility for whatever happened above.

More precisely, the Imperial Family, standing at the apex of the Empire, charged with overseeing everything.

For that reason, Deus’s destination today was not the Cradle or the Gate, but the Imperial Palace.

“What do you mean, Student Deus?”

The Emperor, who had graciously granted Deus’s request for a private audience, was taken aback by the words that left Deus’s lips.

“Not long ago, we were reassured that no more demons could cross over. Now you propose to open that gate in reverse? Does this not mean that demons could once again cross over here?”

“Your Majesty speaks truly. However, even if they do, they would be at most the level of Jagan, who briefly caused a commotion in the Cradle when they first appeared, or even lower.”

“Among the facts you have uncovered, I am aware of the lack of this ‘energy’ you speak of.”

Once at the Cradle. Once in the South. And again here at the Imperial Palace.

The Empire had experienced a total of three demon incursions. Though the damage was not extreme, it would be untrue to say they were not dangerous.

Each time demons were dealt with, the young man named Deus was always present.

Without the aid of anyone, he single-handedly faced and subdued all the demons.

It was as if, when a great calamity descended, the gods had sent another hero.

“But in the end, it was all something you, Deus, handled entirely alone. The espers fought valiantly as well, but in the end they were only able to endure, and the reports I received said they struggled to mount any sort of counterattack. Is there anything inaccurate in my words?”

“No.”

“If you were to leave this place, and demons were to cross over in the meantime, though they may be of a lower level, they would still be quite difficult for the espers here to handle. If things went wrong, the damage could be significant.”

I have already heard from Shavel, the Empire’s foremost Awakened, and Ethendall, Guardian of the Nation, that much is true.

That at least half of the Empire’s Awakened would not last long in combat against demons.

That pushing forward with sheer numbers might eventually lead to victory, but at the cost of even greater losses.

That while the two, each masters of attack and defense, could move together to handle one, the emergence of more than two demons would strain their ability to cover the gaps.

Until now, I haven’t been overly concerned. Because the Empire has its trump card, Deus.

It is a clearly established fact that that one young man can handle any number of demons.

But if Deus were to venture into the demons’ stronghold, their greatest strength would be diminished.

“I have already made arrangements for that eventuality, Your Majesty.”

“Arrangements, you say?”

“Even in my temporary absence, even if a few demons arrive, Shavel Saber and the Guardian of the Nation, each at their post, will be more than capable of holding them back.”

First and foremost, there are the three young students, forged through the rigorous training of Deus himself and a certain demonic instructor over the past several months.

They would be able to face demons of Jagan’s caliber, no problem. That much, I can assure you. I say, thumping my chest with confidence, and the Emperor sighs.

Three young students. Luciel, Nefertiti, and Eulisia, respectively. The Emperor couldn’t help but feel more concerned than reassured upon hearing those names.

It’s not simply that one is the Duke’s youngest daughter, or that another is a Princess. It’s that all three are still mere seedlings. Children who have much more to learn, much more to experience.

No matter that it comes with Deus’s guarantee. Compared to those with greater experience, worry is only natural…

“I assure you, facing demons in actual combat will be ‘nothing’ compared to the training they’ve received from me thus far.”

“…”

How many times have I seen such unwavering, confident eyes? The Emperor found himself pondering this, and finally nodded.

“And if, in the unlikely event, a gap in our forces were to appear, we have mercenaries readily available.”

“Mercenaries… are you referring to the demons who have surrendered?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“But tactical doctrine dictates that those who have only recently surrendered should not be used lightly. We must consider every possibility.”

“You need not worry about that either.”

Deus smiles thinly, sending a chill down the Emperor’s spine even though it isn’t winter.

“If that unlikely event were to occur… they will both regret it. Greatly. Without question.”

“…”

“Therefore, there is nothing for you to fret over. The strongest motivator in the world is fear, after all. Your Majesty.”

Hmm. If that young man says so, then it must be so. The Emperor nodded almost unconsciously.

As Emperor, he had met a great many people in this political world. He had encountered all manner of individuals, witnessing the loyalty they offered, their twisted intentions, the necessary facades.

And so, those who sit on the throne become numb to everything. That’s not strange; that’s normal.

Yet even he felt as though he were transported back to his youth when looking at that young man.

How should he put it? Primal fear? An indescribable dread?

It was like the feeling of a child hearing ghost stories or tales of monsters for the first time.

Despite his advanced age, his many grown children, his life now closer to its end than its beginning, what was this chilling, frigid dread?

“Deus. Let me ask you something.”

“Ask away, Your Majesty.”

“Are you truly human?”

“…Your Majesty?”

“I’m not asking if you’re joking, or if you’re a demon. It’s just… how should I say it? You seem different from the people of this world. I have met all sorts of people in my time, but I can say with certainty that I have never met anyone like you.”

“…”

Truly, the Emperor of the Empire is an Emperor. I hadn’t even seen him a handful of times, yet he knew what I was thinking.

Pausing to formulate his reply, Deus offered the Emperor reassurances he could only find comforting.

“Forgive me for saying so, but I believe who I am matters little. Only that everything I do is for the sake of this Empire. That alone, I swear, is the truth.”

“…Yes. That is enough. I asked a needless question.”

“Your Majesty is too kind.”

Rising from his throne, the Emperor approached Deus, who remained kneeling on one knee.

He then bent down himself, patting the shoulder of this massive, yet reassuring man.

“Go. Take a brief sojourn. And return with the answer that everyone desires.”

“I will, without fail.”

He had even received permission from the Empire’s sovereign for a short leave.

Now, all that remained was the moment the door opened. To breach it.

*

As Astaroth and Jarvis screamed, twisting and contorting, struggling to open the door…

Luciel, Nefertiti, and Yrisia received one final check from Deus.

“…Senpai?”

“W-what?”

“Deus?”

Once the check was complete, the three female students, each flustered, or taken aback, called out the man’s name.

“Why aren’t you slamming us into the ground today?”

“Just last time, you were scolding us for not being ready enough?!”

“Did I… did I do something wrong? Why, why are you suddenly like this?”

“…”

Seems I’ve been driving them a bit too hard. After scratching the back of his head, Deus called the three women closer, patting them on the shoulders.

“You’ve all worked hard. Truly, you’ve worked so hard.”

“W-wait! Senpai! Lines like that are dangerous!”

“Chairwoman. Am I in danger? Or are the demons in danger?”

“…The demons, without a doubt.”

Strange. In those otherworlder novels I sometimes read, uttering those lines always resulted in death.

“Once the door opens, I will cross over without hesitation. Originally, I intended to take all three of you, but seeing the current state of things, it seems difficult enough for even one person to travel back and forth. And then there’s the possibility of demons crossing over in reverse.”

“Wasn’t it because there wasn’t enough energy?”

“That is true, Luciel-senpai. But in case something happens, please observe the situation closely. If they *do* come through, you’ll have to show them what you’ve been working towards, enduring all this hardship, won’t you?”

After a moment of contemplation, Luciel nodded.

Well, yeah. We worked this hard, it’d be a shame to not even use it properly.

“Yrisia.”

Deus poked his finger into my chest and continued.

“You can do it. You’ve done well. Overcome it. Your past self.”

“…Yeah. I will. Without fail. This time, I will never, ever run away.”

Good. I believe in you all. Our protagonists. Deus gave a soft smile.

*

Ten days later. At long last, the door opened.

##