Episode 13
Bellive Estate's inner fortress, the lord's room.
Baron Bellive woke up late and was in a rather unpleasant mood.
“Warlock?”
“Yes. Priest Royle said he confirmed traces of magical power.”
Just a few years ago, the black magician was a symbol of fear.
Those who sowed disaster with powerful dark magic. Middle-earth was devastated, and the end of humanity was believed to be imminent.
An entire country fell into the hands of a black magician.
“The gates are completely sealed to prevent him from escaping….”
“Did you wake me up just because of a warlock?”
"…sorry."
It's all in the past.
After the appearance of the warrior, the black magicians were quickly subdued.
Even powerful black magic couldn't overcome the warrior's might. All the skilled black magicians were killed, leaving only the stragglers who couldn't even participate in the war.
They were increasingly cornered, and eventually even the Demon King was defeated.
‘Why now of all times…?’
The Baron sighed.
The timing wasn't right. Because of its location near the Demon Realm, Bellive's territory struggled to develop.
However, after the warrior conquered the demon world, he came up with a plan to develop the city through travelers who came on a pilgrimage to the holy land.
He secured a promise of cooperation from the religious community and leveraged his connections to secure capital. In some cases, the possibility of success was even apparent.
The black magician's rampage at this point could only have a fatal impact on all plans.
“What’s the situation now?”
“We’re releasing our soldiers to search. The church has also said they’ll provide support….”
"Of course I should apply. I've already received a few gold coins."
Baron Belleve said, rubbing his aching head.
"It's already happened, so there's nothing we can do. Keep your guard up and deal with him quickly. Tonight is the night. Find him and kill him tonight."
If only it could be dealt with quickly, it could have been simply a one-night stand.
“If necessary, we may mobilize the Knights.”
With this, you don't have to worry about this problem.
The Baron thought so.
* * *
Soul magic that allows you to grow your own soul by absorbing the souls of others. It's certainly not very practical.
The value of the soul is infinite, but the influence it can have on this world is minimal.
-Command magic is magic that summons such spirits. It is one of the most effective uses of soul magic.
If a single, whole soul can do anything, it is at best lifting small objects.
Even that only applies to those who harbor a strong grudge or possess a high status. Most lose their form and begin to disperse the moment they leave their physical body.
-It's hard to say that its power is that great. Even if it serves one or two souls, its capabilities are limited.
This was the reason why black magic, which manipulates the soul, was not developed. It was not only difficult to handle, but also had no practical use.
But there was a material right in front of us that could overcome those shortcomings in one fell swoop.
-Military Order. No matter how weak they may be, when their numbers reach hundreds, they cannot be ignored.
The Demon King clearly said so.
The soul file in his hand shattered, releasing the military orders contained within.
[Kkii-!]
A military command that screams and squirms.
As I raise my magical power, I recall the Demon King's explanation.
The final stage of soul magic replaces absorption with subordination. The soul, having lost its body, gains a center in you, strengthening its staying power.
What's needed for subordination is familiar magic. This is a higher-level magic of the contract lineage, and is quite a trick to handle.
I've already seen that perfect form.
I don't have the ability to draw dozens of magic circles simultaneously. I can only recall images from my memory that match the Demon King's description.
The time needed was a fleeting one. A grayish-white light emanated from the magic circle drawn beneath his feet, and a thick chain bound the military command.
-Keeeeee-!!!
“Cough…!”
Each time the chains binding my body rippled, a considerable amount of recoil followed. But there was no time to succumb to the pain.
-In addition, we need to add a process for making them obey orders. The method of commanding them will vary depending on the spell used…
I know of a spell that has the most powerful force, only for the soul.
“I swear.”
Bite your finger and let the blood flow. The blood drips onto the magic circle drawn with magical power, forming a new shape.
A soul-staking contract technique that even the most lofty demon lord cannot defy.
[Kkii-?]
By overlapping three magics, one new magic is completed.
What I had to offer was a proposal the military command could never refuse. Only one came to mind.
“I will complete the revenge of the military commander before the next sun rises.”
Mike, sensing something strange, started running towards him.
“The price is obedience. Commander, if you desire revenge….”
A distance that becomes closer in an instant.
Explosive speed, unleashed from muscles trained for decades. He thrusts his spear with his arms fully extended.
I can't cut it with my old scythe, and my magic is depleted. If I stay still, I'll get pierced. But.
“Protect me.”
A military commander with chains around his body swings his arms.
The spear, which had been extending in a straight line, bends and bounces to the side. Mike's grip is torn, and blood spurts out.
“Huh, what is this…?”
Mike took a step back. His wavering eyes were fixed squarely on the military command.
-The moment you exert a certain amount of physical force, your soul reveals its form. Even those without spiritual eyes can see it, albeit briefly.
The magic circle, having fulfilled its purpose, disappeared. I felt a new connection between my soul and mine.
Evidence that the military commander accepted the contract and chose subordination.
To do this, I must avenge the military commander today…
“That’s what I hope for.”
While the gates are closed, complete the ordeal. The military commander's revenge will be fulfilled naturally in the process.
“I didn’t want to believe it, Jude.”
Mike, who had been looking back and forth between his bleeding hand and the window, opened his mouth.
“Were you really a warlock?”
A hollow laugh escaped my lips.
Just a moment ago, he was rushing at me as if he was going to kill me, so what are you talking about now?
"yes."
“I thought of him as my son. If he wanted, I would accept him into the guard….”
“Amy, did you know that too?”
"what?"
It was obvious that he was trying to buy time, but it didn't matter.
The advantage of this type of technique is that it consumes little magical power from the caster. After all, the subject is the one who receives the power.
The magical power that had been consumed while making a contract with the military order was actually recovering while dealing with Mike.
The unique magic consumption of command magic combined with extremely high resilience. By stalling for time, I was actually the one who had the advantage.
“The items sold in the store are stolen from the dead poor.”
“…I never said anything about it.”
“I guess it was true.”
“….”
Mike, who had picked up the spear that had fallen to the floor, rushed forward again, but it was impossible to deal with the invisible military commander.
Mike, who had fallen to the floor, shouted in frustration.
"They were sinners! What's wrong with dealing with sinners and taking their spoils?"
“You knew I was innocent!”
“Their sins!”
A voice that echoes through the slums.
"Born poor. If the Lord has decided to punish them, they deserve to die!"
I felt disgusted by the voice that seemed to truly believe in itself as innocent.
-Kill him. There's no good in leaving him alive.
“….”
"If you keep mercy in your hands, you'll attract those who look down on you. Kill all who attack. So that no one dares to attack you."
The Demon King seemed to truly think so.
Even if it's for survival, I've already taken several lives and am here. Hesitating might be nothing more than hypocrisy.
however.
The warm daily life of the past few days. Even if Mike is a villain, even that can't be a lie...
“Over there! The warlock is over there!”
“Captain! Please hold on a little longer!”
A voice came from far away. I instinctively turned my head.
-Tsk.
“Turning your gaze away during battle…?”
A lot of noise was heard in a short period of time.
The sound of the Demon King clicking his tongue, Mike's voice filled with confidence. The sound of something being ripped…
-Kkieek-!
A tearing eardrum.
When I slowly turned my head again, there was Mike, his abdomen pierced, still in the position where he was about to throw the spear.
"uh…?"
-This isn't the picture I wanted... but it doesn't matter.
“What is this?”
What came out of the abdomen was the grayish-white arm of a military commander.
A completely unexpected sight.
I only told him to protect them, I don't remember giving the military commander an order to kill them.
-Didn't you swear that you would take revenge?
The voice was a little disinterested.
Even if it was done by the lord's order, that guy is still the one who actually carried it out. He tried to kill you. This is also a way to protect you.
Mike checked his own abdomen and then collapsed… unable to do so.
Crunch.
The commander, raising his other hand, grabbed Mike's head and tore it off.
“Hey, what is that!”
“It’s a monster! The warlock summoned a monster!”
“I’ve never heard of a monster like that…!”
The soldiers who were running hesitate.
-When giving orders, be specific. Don't expect subordinates to understand your intentions.
The commander's head turned towards them, his arm pulled out from Mike's abdomen.
Their gaze, as if looking at a monster, was directed straight at me.
But my eyes were fixed on Mike's body lying on the floor, his head gone.
The face that had been smiling awkwardly just a few hours ago was now completely crushed and unrecognizable.
“Lord, kill me!”
“Where are the priests?”
“Call for help, quickly!”
There was shouting.
I can feel enemy reinforcements coming from afar.
The soldiers who had stopped began to approach again.
-With that number, it'll be quite difficult to stop them alone. Do you plan on continuing this?
-What?
The Demon King urged, and the military commanders screamed as they circled around me.
“Stop it. No….”
Be specific when giving orders. He recalled the advice the Demon King had given him earlier and corrected his words.
“Kill him. I don’t care how you kill him.”
The commander rushed at the soldiers as if he were possessed by a god. Screams erupted from the soldiers.
I may not be able to stop them all, but I can at least buy some time. In the meantime, I…
With my recovered magic power, I drew another magic circle. Now, it was soul magic, more familiar than anything else.
-I told you, didn't I? I can't absorb any more today.
There is one goal.
Mike's soul, which had just sprung from his previous death.
-Even if it's you, you need to have some stability for a while...
"are you okay."
I swallowed the soul in front of me and raised my head to look at the sky.
It was more bitter than usual.
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