331 Dekan's Opening Thunderclap for Lunn

Purser: "?!?!"

How did Delois find out?!

Seeing the disdain in Delois's eyes, Purser knew he had done something foolish.

He felt his vision flickering, and an incomprehensible scream continued to echo in his mind.

Did Delois already know?

Was he deliberately testing me just now?

All of this suggests that within the First Army, another eighth-tier demon was already a traitor before Purser's defection.

However, that great demon's identity is extraordinary!

Could even the Demon King's closest relatives be controlled by Delois?

Although Purser was somewhat overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information.

But that's just how it is.

At this moment, Purser had accepted everything.

The tenth rank is not a suitable term to describe Delois.

It's too abstract, too general.

If I had to use one word to accurately describe Delois today...

That can only be -- omniscient and omnipotent!

Even Purser couldn't help but feel sorry for Irenos, who, after being targeted by Delois, could only be like an ant, unaware of his predetermined fate!

Purser gradually felt relieved.

He once believed that even if Irenos were to question his origins one day, he would not doubt the confidant that the Demon King had planted in the First Army.

Because according to common sense...

That powerful demon, a close confidant of the Demon King, is the least likely to betray the Demon Realm army!

But.

To consider anything related to Delois using common sense is utterly foolish!

Moreover, upon closer reflection, it's true that the Demon King's confidant did indeed have two encounters with Delois, as rumored!

Purser immediately realized how foolish he had just been.

A mere chess piece dares to flaunt intelligence in front of the player wielding the piece!

"Lord Delois! I shouldn't have spoken nonsense! Please forgive my ignorance!"

Purser felt as if his head was about to fall off, and hesitated to lift it.

He trembled all over, cold sweat beading on his forehead, waiting for Dekan to speak.

"It's alright, please continue."

Dekan waved his hand casually.

It seems unlikely that they would reprimand their subordinates for such a trivial matter.

He had no idea what Purser was imagining.

But perhaps, maybe, Purser came up with a series of brilliant ideas to help him explain away the fact that he "knew the effects of the Ruin Beast".

Dekan has discovered that Purser, as the chief of staff of the First Army, is a highly logical intelligent demon. After Dekan successfully deceived Purser with his performance without any lies, Purser has been constantly filling in the logical gaps in the events based on the fundamental condition that "Delois is a tenth-order demon".

Abbreviated as fully automatic chemical treatment.

Dekan was very satisfied with this guy.

Thank you for your magnanimity.

Purser took a deep breath and praised his new master with heartfelt admiration.

He has already discovered it.

Delois already knew everything.

That was just a deliberate attempt to give him a chance to prove his loyalty.

Fortunately, I wasn't foolish enough to test Delois's limits.

Otherwise, they might already be in irrecoverable despair.

But Delois's tolerance is not limitless!

The best way to get along with someone is to strictly follow Delois's instructions and not try anything underhanded in front of Delois.

So Purser said sincerely:

"Reporting to Lord Delois, our First Army recently learned from reliable sources that Lunn is willing to negotiate peace. Furthermore, the Legion Commander has successfully and secretly bred the Endless Ruin Beast. Therefore, based on this intelligence advantage, we began to plan a sham peace negotiation."

"In the first part of the plan, we proactively conveyed our request for peace talks to Lunn, which was perfectly reasonable for the Demon Realm army, which was in a state of defeat. As expected, Lunn agreed to our negotiations and showed full sincerity."

"Therefore, the second part of the plan involves me acting as an envoy to negotiate peace with Lunn. The key point is that I will bring the mother of the Endless Ruin Beast to the Clantes City and hide her there. Afterward, I will try my best to reach a peace agreement with Lunn without arousing his suspicion."

"The most crucial part is the third part—the formal signing of a binding contract. To reach this agreement, which can directly restrict Irenos from fulfilling his 'ceasefire commitment,' we need to bring a ninth-tier magic contract scroll, which must be signed in person by Lunn and our legion commander."

By the time Purser got to this point, Dekan already understood the whole plan.

Even as Purser continued talking, Dekan grew increasingly annoyed and didn't want to listen anymore.

He has seen many wicked demons so far.

But compared to the villains of the Resurrection Church, some demons seem insignificant.

Only this Irenos of Ruin filled Dekan with utter disgust at this moment.

The First Army's plan was simply that Purser would invite Lunn to a pre-arranged meeting place.

Given Lunn's cautious nature, he certainly wouldn't allow Irenos to enter the heart of his territory.

The First Army will take advantage of this and will feign sincerity by choosing a signing location far from the Lunn territory.

However, from the very beginning, the purpose of this group of demons was not to sign this contract, but merely to lure Lunn to a place far away from the heart of the Clan Territory.

When preparing to sign the treaty, Irenos will not fulfill Lunn's wish to achieve this peace agreement.

Instead, they will launch a direct sneak attack on Lunn and fight Lunn to the death.

At the same time, the Endless Ruin Beast hidden in the Clantes City will be fully awakened!

In the darkness of Clantes City, nothing could stop the Endless Ruin Beast.

Just like when they saved the Ice Princess in the real world, even Judith, at the eighth level, couldn't wipe out the [Proliferating Ruin Beast] that Evans was slaughtering in a town.

Once the Endless Ruin Beast begin slaughtering civilians, the entire Clan Territory will be transformed into a slaughterhouse littered with blood and corpses.

Worst of all, Lunn, the only one who might be able to stop the Endless Ruin Beast' calamity, is tied up by Irenos and unable to return in time.

Ultimately, the army and civilians of the Clan Territory will be slaughtered by the endless Endless Ruin Beast.

"Lord Delois, this is Irenos's plan to conquer the Clan Territory."

Purser finished recounting the First Army's plot, bowed respectfully to Dekan, and awaited Dekan's response.

However, Dekan was still thinking about something.

This plan is very Evans; it's utterly inhumane.

Regardless of his past or present life, the Bishop of Ruin is obsessed with massacring cities and destroying nations.

This is also the type of atrocity that Dekan abhors the most.

But.

Evans, or Irenos.

They may be strong, but they also have a very bad habit.

That is, they like to rely on their monstrous magical power and the extraordinary strength of their summoned creatures to send their summoned creatures over extremely long distances.

Encountering Delois can only be described as a divine punishment for Irenos.

"Rubbish."

Dekan gave a disdainful sneer.

"!"

Purser's eyes caught that smile again.

His pupils contracted sharply, followed by relief and an even deeper sense of awe.

It was a cruel plan that Irenos was so proud of.

To Delois, it was like a child's game!

Such evil is nothing but trash to Delois!

As expected of Lord Delois!

He is the true embodiment of evil, surpassing all demons!

"Cough cough."

Dekan discovered that Purser was reverted to Dihua.

Ultimately, it's the mind of a demon.

This thing seems to be heading in a strange direction, becoming increasingly distorted.

Dekan felt that Purser was very impolite.

But having fooled Purser to this extent, it seems impossible to say anything more irrelevant; they can only continue the performance.

"The mother of the Endless Ruin Beast is in your hands, isn't she?"

"Dekan asked."

"Yes, it is currently sealed, which is why no trace of its presence can be detected. Of course, it also has no combat power until Irenos remotely releases its seal."

The derivatives generated by the Ruin Beast can only exist for one hour.

Therefore, the only way to meet the requirements is to bring the mother over.

This simply forces Irenos, the summoner, to continuously deplete his mana.

However, for the ninth-tier Irenos, summoning the Ruin Beast continuously for a month would not be a problem at all.

"Very good."

Dekan admired Grand Summoner like Irenos who were confident in their magical abilities.

"Since the other Great Demon in the First Army besides myself is also your subordinate, the plan is quite simple."

Purser echoed enthusiastically.

He was certain that Delois already had a plan in mind.

The omniscient and omnipotent Delois could easily eliminate Irenos without even having to lift a finger!

However, Dekan did not respond immediately.

He glanced at Purser, trying hard not to furrow his brow.

What do you mean... I still have one subordinate?

You've gone a bit too far with this, where am I supposed to find so many spies?

The Resurrection Church is a special case.

However, after thinking about it, Dekan finally understood what Purser had initially imagined about "why Delois would know about the Endless Ruin Beast".

It turns out that only Purser and another Great Demon in the First Army knew about "the Endless Ruin Beast newly bred by Irenos".

Using the process of elimination, Purser naturally assumed that the other informed demon was Delois's spy.

However, the other demon in the First Army was indeed rarely active on the battlefield.

In layman's terms, he's more like the political commissar of the First Army.

Her identity seems to be very special; even on his way back from the Demon Realm Hospital, Dekan was unable to find any information about her.

There is a possibility that Delois did indeed know her identity.

However, Dekan had intruded halfway through, failed to obtain any information about her.

"Go on."

Dekan, however, continued to give instructions with an air of composure.

By now, he's completely relying on Purser to provide him with intelligence.

Another eighth-tier demon in the First Army is clearly a key figure, and Purser is undoubtedly the best intelligence extractor if you want to obtain her key information in one go.

Purser nodded.

He understood that Delois wanted to test his professional competence as Chief of Staff of the First Army, so he wanted to hear the plan he had come up with at this moment.

"Lord Delois, my idea is that we can turn the tables and do as Irenos wishes, allowing the Endless Ruin Beast to slaughter across the Clan Territory."

"However, Irenos needs to continuously provide mana to remotely support the Endless Ruin Beast, and with only the Ruin Dragon by his side, he is already no match for Lunn, the strongest person in the North."

"When Irenos thinks he has bought enough time to destroy the entire Clan Territory and escapes from Lunn's clutches, then Miss Purgatory and I will work together to block Irenos's path. We will surely be able to kill the wounded and weakened Irenos!"

Purser finished reporting his ideas to Dekan and awaited Dekan's evaluation.

"Um..."

Dekan rested his chin on his hand, lost in thought.

They neither endorsed the plan nor pointed out its problems.

This plan is not the main point.

The key point is...

He felt like he was hearing a familiar name again!

Miss Purgatory?

Olive of Purgatory?

Why does this guy always have a role in the Demon Realm?

She's been around since the very first Shadow World, and this is the fifth Shadow World already, and she hasn't been deprecated yet.

At the same time.

Purser seemed to find the silence somewhat unsettling.

He slightly shifted his eyes, daring to observe Dekan's expression as he pondered.

However, Purser quickly looked away.

He noticed that Delois's brow was furrowed slightly.

They seem to think this plan is rather mediocre.

Clearly, Delois had a better strategy in mind!

Purser felt ashamed and somewhat apprehensive.

Even in terms of wisdom as a chief of staff, he was far from being able to catch up with Delois's figure.

Would I be considered a boring and worthless demon by this person and then disposed of?

Just when he was feeling anxious and uneasy.

"Could you tell me more about what you know about Miss Purgatory's current situation?"

Dekan asked calmly.

He never expected to encounter Olive of Purgatory again.

This is the final boss in the first Shadow World Demon Academy, and also the second-level Jailer in the fourth Shadow World Demon Realm Prison.

He's now the political commissar of the First Army?

How come every time I run into her, her life seems to be getting better and better?

Dekan was curious, but he couldn't reveal that he was unaware of the truth.

They could only pretend to care about their subordinates when asking questions.

Purser felt as if he had been saved and quickly replied:

"Olive of Purgatory seems utterly unambitious in the First Army, spending every day as if she's just wasting time. I dare say not only Irenos, but even the Royal Capital wouldn't doubt her!"

Purser originally thought that only he and Irenos knew the specific details of the plan to conquer Clan Territory.

Even the Demon King's confidant only knew the general outline.

After all, she didn't seem to care much about these battles; she was more concerned about Talomati's disappearance.

Little did I know, it was all just a clever disguise!

At this point, Purser added a heartfelt compliment to Delois:

"I can only say that you truly live up to your reputation; you can even control the Demon King's daughter and make her willingly betray him!"

After listening.

Dekan paused for a mere 0.001 seconds.

???

The Demon King's Daughter?

Did I hear that wrong?

Once he was sure he hadn't misheard, Dekan's mind began to race with rage.

I'm so excited?!

Olive that amazing?

So what exactly did I do to the Demon King's daughter?!

However, after calming down and thinking it over carefully, Dekan realized that this guy did indeed have some problems.

For example, why did Olive dare to be so lawless in the academy? Not only was she not afraid of the principal, but even when Dekan initially appeared to be an inspector from above, her attitude was "somewhat cautious, but still kill if necessary."

And why, even though Olive had the title of Great Demon at the seventh level and was caught violating the rules of the Demon Academy, was she not executed like other Demon Teacher who made minor mistakes, but instead imprisoned in the Demon Realm Prison as a second-level Jailer for training?

Dekan had a feeling that she was someone who had connections.

Because the punishment she received was far too lenient compared to that of other demons.

So she wasn't even working!

Instead, she's a pampered young lady going to experience life in the workplace!

So, according to that logic...

The nature of Olive's story changes then --

The lawless heiress of the Demon King's family, who acts arrogantly as a teacher at the Demon Academy, is punished on the spot by her student, Delois.

Later, Delois encountered the somewhat twisted daughter of the Demon King again in the Demon Realm Prison, which made her even more convinced that this was a fateful reunion.

But by then, Olive, who was mentally unstable, had already fallen deeply in love with Delois.

Dekan didn't want to waste time in the Devil King Tomb, so he didn't stay on the second floor to kill Olive with Blood Purification, which allowed her to escape with her life.

Given Olive's thought process, who knows what she'll think next.

Dekan felt a chill run down his spine.

This guy is an incurable masochist, just like Isabel in the real world, with whom he made a reverse pact using the [True Word Blood Pact], making him feel resistant even to meeting her.

Etc.

Except for masochists.

Dekan remembered seeing Isabel's real name— Olivia— later when he was investigating the contract.

Furthermore, given that Isabel is Evans's subordinate, Olive is now also Irenos's subordinate, there is a logical correlation.

Dekan was absolutely certain that Olive's reincarnation was Isabel.

The experiences of people in the real world often overlap to some extent with those in the Shadow World.

Could Isabel also be some dark princess hiding her identity, with a truly extraordinary background?

After deciding to return to the mortal world, Dekan had to suppress his inner resistance and ask Isabel.

Because Isabel was an Imperial citizen before joining the Resurrection Church!

But now...

Dekan's first reaction was that he just wanted to hear about Delois.

Delois is truly a prodigy at such a young age.

To rectify all the chaos in the Demon Realm.

The Demon King's daughter? We'll beat her without hesitation!

"Master, did you hear that? Delois was plotting to kill the Demon King, and it turns out the Demon King sees Delois as his son-in-law?"

Dekan felt like he had nowhere to confide in without his favorite gossip cat by his side.

He could only communicate with his Master in his mind.

"Indeed, what a scumbag."

"Master complained."

She originally didn't want to talk to Dekan.

The Master had already had a mental argument with Dekan making Talomati dress up as a maid.

They almost got into a Dekan.

Even if this was to deceive Purser's publicity plan.

But she couldn't bear to let Dekan see her in a maid outfit.

Of course, Dekan also said, "How rare is that? After I transform into a female demon through Blood Mimicry, don't I look the same in a maid outfit?"

This made the Master even angrier.

After discovering that Dekan could dress up as her even more freely whenever she wanted, she was now able to do so!

Because they're twins! The issue of image rights is completely unresolved!

It wasn't until Dekan finally compromised, promising to cut all scenes involving the maid Talomati after this Shadow World and to compensate the Master with ten days of free meals, that the Master finally relented in anger.

Dekan used similar tactics, easily persuading the Shadow World's Talomati to agree to work by promising to provide meals.

"Ha, you're wrong about that. Delois is only devoted to Clodia."

"Tsk, Delois, who would abandon his own sister for a woman, is scum."

I wonder if my Master is getting a little too involved in the role.

The voice sounded very unhappy.

But it seems that the master and apprentice are simply discussing the matter at hand.

Let's discuss the issue of Delois owing Talomati in the Shadow World.

"This is called trust between siblings. An older brother who lacks real strength cannot rely on a strong younger sister forever, and a younger sister who is clearly very strong cannot always have her own talents and brilliance overshadowed by her older brother."

Dekan said it with a particularly poignant air.

"... Yeah?"

The Master paused slightly, his words hesitant.

But she couldn't seem to hide the fact that she felt much better.

Then Dekan continued:

"Actually, compared to her brother who is like a flawed product, the younger sister is the truly perfect demon."

You see, after separating from Delois, didn't Talomati also obtain the legion commander position?

I believe she was able to win the competition against Purser entirely because of her strength. The Demon King must be cautious when appointing a legion commander; if the two candidates are evenly matched, the Demon King should be more mindful of avoiding conflict and give the position to Purser."

Dekan earnestly conveyed his thoughts to his Master.

"I see."

The Master's tone gradually softened, and he sighed.

For some reason, hearing this idea made her very happy.

Whenever Master sees Talomati in the Shadow World, he feels that Talomati is always insecure.

Just like the dragon and rat brothers that Dekan had once told her about.

For some reason, she was deeply moved after hearing that story.

It wasn't until he understood the relationship and past between Talomati and Delois in this Shadow World that the Master understood the reason for his inexplicable feelings that came from his soul back then.

Having such an outstanding twin brother, Talomati, as the younger sister, must have felt admiration for him from a young age, but she must have also been desperately trying to hide her overwhelming sense of inferiority deep in her heart.

Only after hearing what Dekan had just said did the Master realize.

So this is how the older brother views his younger sister.

If she had a physical body, she thinks a faint smile would be playing on her lips right now.

However, in an instant, the Master suddenly became alert.

Master: "You're such a jerk."

Dekan: "???"

After saying that, the Master fell silent, as if he had closed the door to go to sleep.

Dekan didn't want to be attacked by her anymore.

He only felt like an unjustly accused older brother.

So he turned his gaze to Purser and stared at him, asking:

"Purser, have you considered this? While your plan will most likely kill Irenos, what about the civilians? Is this what warriors of love should do? Have you forgotten the oath you swore to me?"

"No... I was wrong... but defeating Irenos will come at a price..."

Upon hearing Dekan's three soul-searching questions, Purser turned pale and answered tremblingly.

Although he couldn't figure out what serious illness Delois had, he insisted on acting like a saint.

However, in Purser's view, sacrificing these civilians was indeed the best strategy to efficiently deal with Irenos.

Besides.

Even if there is room for further optimization of the strategy.

There's absolutely no way to defeat Irenos without paying any price!

However, Dekan widened his eyes and asked with great skepticism:

"What are you talking about? The price? Shouldn't the price be paid by Irenos?"

"?"

Purser's mind went blank again, and he stared at Dekan with wide, bewildered eyes.

He even felt a slight urge to ask Delois, "Do you want to hear what you're saying?"

Dekan sighed, sounding rather disappointed.

"Young man, now that you're following me, watch carefully and learn diligently. I'll teach you what 'immeasurable merit and boundless profit' truly means..."

Dekan, with his arm around Purser's shoulder, wandered around the room again...

The next morning.

The sky, where snowflakes were falling, was still filled with twilight.

Lunn returned to the Clantes City with the most important shipment of supplies from the caravan.

Greeted by Croix, Lunn, looking somewhat weary, was ushered back to the mansion.

The mansion was noticeably warmer, and the winter wind that used to make his long coat flutter was no longer heard.

However, they had only been inside the mansion for a short time.

Lunn then noticed that a gray-haired young man was already sitting in the living room, leisurely drinking coffee as if he were at home.

"Delois ..."

"I can't help it, "Lunn said with a hint of helplessness.

Having known each other for many years, Lunn was clearly used to Delois's style.

This guy always pulls some weird and strange stuff whenever he shows up.

For example, this time, Lunn saw a transparent glass jar on the table in his living room.

Inside, like a life support capsule, was sealed a black, alien creature.

The creature was in pain, however, as it was restrained and unable to move.

It seemed extremely angry and was still struggling, but unfortunately it was sealed tightly.

What tormented it most was that, despite being a forbidden creature destined to bring disaster to the city, it was now being soaked in an extremely disgusting, acidic liquid!

It has never suffered such humiliation since its birth!!

"This thing is..."

Lunn pointed with disdain at the creature on the table, which was soaking in a strange liquid.

"I got you some local specialties from the Demon Realm as a souvenir."

Dekan turned around, placed his hand on the back of the sofa, looked at Lunn, and said with a smile,

"Old-fashioned Ruin Beast cabbage, a true Demon Realm flavor. Once it's thoroughly pickled, we'll cut a couple of slices for Irenos to take with us."