"Oops—Oh no, I forgot to collect the defeat CGs."
[Anything is fine, just give my body back!]
"Oh, don't rush me. This is my first time being a woman. Let me gather more data first..."
[Oh! No, don't touch there...]
"No, I just wanted to touch my ear..."
Stop touching me! Change me back!
At the strong insistence of the original owner of the body, Lucky had no choice but to regretfully withdraw from Unit 3.
"Ugh! Did you... did you really have to come out this way?"
"Do you expect me to come from another opening...?"
"Shut up!"
Clutching the sphere in front of her, Closure her fear by frantically kneading it.
"We won... right?"
"Let me correct you, I won, you just got away with it."
"Hehe, if I can just sit back and win, then so be it."
Defeating that Vampire Lord was something she never even dared to dream of.
"Huh? Wait a minute..." Closure suddenly realized.
"If you defeat the Vampire Lord, then you'll be the new..."
"Let me correct you, it's you."
"Wait a minute! You just called me a lazybones who wins without effort!"
Lucky drifted a little further away, avoiding falling into the girl's clutches again.
"Anyway, everyone saw that you won, so what does it have to do with me, an innocent little bat?"
"Wow! You can't do that!"
Closure instinctively tried to grab Lucky, but her legs tripped and fell over.
"It hurts! W-what happened?"
Noticing the abnormality in her body, Closure lowered her head, her view, which should have been unobstructed, was blocked by a pair of enormous breasts.
Subconsciously, Closure rubbed them, watching them sway rhythmically.
"This, this is..."
"Oh, I see you usually only drink coffee, so I'm giving you some extra nutrition."
Lucky's exposed fangs gleamed.
"Now you're a true mature woman, even better-figured than Ascalon!"
"What exactly did you do to someone else's body?!"
"Hmm... even if you say that, once it's sold, there are no returns."
The spherical Lucky was torn into an oval, Closure with tears.
"Is it really impossible to change back?"
"Why don't you ask Logos? By the way, where did he go?"
Lucky looked around.
"I thought he was going to help me, how could he be so disloyal?"
Upon Lucky, Closure's expression changed.
"Yes! We're still in danger, let's sign the demon pact again!"
"Danger? Who?"
Lucky drifted aimlessly.
Although Ducare's appearance surprised him somewhat, it was far from dangerous.
The increasingly large Catastrophe clouds in the sky do qualify, but with such a significant prelude, it's better to return to the House of Vitality ahead of time.
That said, after making such a commotion, why didn't my second brother cause me any trouble?
Lucky suddenly felt a little guilty.
The city in front of me had been razed to the ground, even the ground itself had been chipped away. Could I really fool them by saying it was the enemy who did it?
[Vane: Ahem, second brother, I have something to tell you.]
[...]
[Vane: Because of some minor accidents, a small loss occurred, and I caught the culprit! I think the responsibility in this regard should be mitigated a little?]
[...]
[Vane: Not saying anything? Then I'll take that as a yes.]
[...]
[Vane: Second son?]
"She won't wake up."
At the top of the Dead Soul Furnace, Qaisatusta said:
"As you can see, her soul will completely merge with the Demon King's Dead Souls. Even if she is lucky enough not to merge, she will become an idiot in what seems to be your long memory."
Shining silently watched the figure inside the furnace without replying.
Qaisatusta didn't care. All the necessary conditions had been met. Once Theresa was assimilated by the Dead Souls, her remaining body would be able to bind the Black Crown.
After Catastrophe, no one will know what happened here.
He was getting closer; his long-cherished wish was within reach.
But before that...
"My lady of the valley, it's been a long time since I last sent my greetings."
Qaisatusta was met with a barrage of attacks: the Butcher's projectiles, the Banshee's spells—all of which were blocked by the barrier before the furnace.
Since it involved his lifelong dream, Qaisatusta naturally made two preparations; the modified furnace was not only for Sacrifice.
"Final warning, Qaisatusta."
The Banshee Queen and her mercenary squad surrounded the furnace, and the chains formed by the cursed magic sealed it off.
"Release the spell behind you."
"... Are you provoking a demon king?"
Qaisatusta turned and stared at the enraged Banshee.
"If you swear allegiance now, I can forgive your overstepping."
[A sharp, bone-chilling whistle!]
The powerful spells bombarded the barrier formed by the altar, causing the nodules to tremble violently, but Qaisatusta showed no sign of worry on his face.
"Did you know that the Demon Kings of all time have only used the Crown superficially?"
"They used it crudely to amplify magic, or to communicate with All Souls, even the most intelligent Cyclops did so."
Qaisatusta waved his hand, and Theresa's figure emerged from the furnace.
"This is the limitation of the Demon Kings, because the vast knowledge within the Crown cannot be contained by a single soul."
In the reflection of Logos' pupils, a jet-black Crown floated down from the Demon King's forehead, finally landing steadily in the enemy's hands.
"But as long as the target being carried is connected to All Souls, the burden will be shared among All Souls, and the wearer of the Crown will be able to unleash its greatest power."
What did you do!?
"As you can see, I have reclaimed the power that was rightfully mine."
He solemnly lifted the Black Crown and placed it between the white horns.
The wails of the All Souls caused Qaisatusta a moment of pain, which was quickly followed by unparalleled pleasure.
"We're back... everything is back!"
Having relentlessly pursued the Crown, Qaisatusta also came to understand that the Black Crown could not be forced.
Unless the Demon King voluntarily passes it on, the Black Crown will only find a suitable master on its own after the Demon King's death.
Therefore, he, who was once abandoned by them, will never be considered again.
Given this fact, Qaisatusta temporarily abandoned the Black Crown and attempted to forge another White Crown to regain its power.
However, with the loss of the White Crown container, he was forced to re-examine the plans he had previously abandoned.
To control the Demon King in order to use the Crown in an unconventional way.
Rumble--!
Originium was growing wildly, and raging black lightning was constantly erupting from the furnace.
Using magic to protect his companions, Logos is forced to accept the fact that the Crown has been used by the enemy.
"You... are not worthy of this Crown!"
"The bark of the loser."
Qaisatusta waved his hand, and the oppressive force emanating from his Crown caused the Sarkaz to involuntarily bow down.
Looking at the Banshee who was barely holding on with magic, Qaisatusta shook his head.
"You're saying I'm not worthy of this Crown?"
"Kuilong led the tribe down a path of no return, wandering. Elesh's retreat to a corner of the land will only weaken the tribe, and even that brother and sister will only cause the tribe to split apart."
"But I am different... During my reign, the Sarkaz capital stood firm, and the blood of the Gods' People was only fit for me to use to adorn the city walls!"
"If the Crown hadn't been taken from me, I could have even recreated the glory of Teekaz!"
"That is the honor that belongs to the White-Horned Demon King."
A calm voice refuted this, and Qaisatusta turned to look at Shining.
"I am him!"
"No, you are merely a distorted shadow left behind by that king."
"Say what you will, darling."
Shining's face contorted with uncontrollable disgust, while Qaisatusta resumed his composed smile.
"We will unite and give birth to the purest and most powerful offspring in history."
"He will take the Crown, and I..."
Qaisatusta raised his hands, and the roar of the Catastrophe grew ever louder.
"I will surpass the Demon King, replace the All Souls, unite the will of all Sarkaz, and become the father of all Sarkaz!"
Clang--!
"... You're still so impatient."
He parried Shining's sword and effortlessly sent her flying into the furnace.
"Don't worry, you'll soon witness this magnificent moment."
With the Shining imprisoned, Qaisatusta began the final ritual.
He will communicate with All Souls, unleash a cataclysmic Catastrophe, and proclaim the arrival of the new king to all Sarkaz!
He closed his eyes, his will soaring into the sky with the wind.
O Sarkaz, struggling in suffering, unleash your fury once more and awaken the slumbering torment from its cradle!
Bang--!
As his soul touched the wall, Qaisatusta was astonished to find that the Hall of All Souls, which should have been completely visible, had become a city wall.
It seemed to be his imagination, but the singing of All Souls came from the other side of the wall.
[Demon King! We need a Demon King!]
Ah, I see. You've been waiting for so long.
Qaisatusta smiled confidently and prepared to destroy the city wall and enter directly.
Boom--!
The massive stone hammer that came crashing down on him blasted his soul out, and the real Qaisatusta suddenly awoke, spitting out a mouthful of turbid blood.
"..."xN
Facing the subtle glances from the Sarkaz present, Qaisatusta gritted his teeth and entered the Hall of All Souls once more.
This time, he arrived at the city gate.
Upon closer inspection, Qaisatusta was astonished to discover that the magnificent city wall bore the imprint of his own past, with exquisite calligraphy surpassing even his previous masterpieces.
The massive city gates slowly opened, and the wondrous song grew ever louder.
[Your Majesty! We still need a wise and virtuous king!]
Qaisatusta stood tall, saying, "No need to wait, the king you have been waiting for has arrived."
Clang--!
In reality, Qaisatusta wailed in agony, waking up to clutch his neck in pain. The last image in his mind was a sword wreathed in blue flames severing his head.
"... It seems you've been abandoned by the All Souls." Shining sneered, having discerned something.
"Shut up!"
The unleashed black lightning blasted away the surrounding Sarkaz, and the red-eyed Qaisatusta once again entered the Hall of All Souls.
No city walls needed! No city gates needed! He, possessing the special qualities of a soul, only needs to fly overhead!
[Roll!!!]
This time, before even a cry of agony could be uttered, the blazing sun unleashed its wrathful flames, causing damage far greater than the agony inflicted on the soul.
Qaisatusta knelt on the ground, trembling in pain.
"Why, why! Why did you reject me!"
"I am the king! The supreme king! The king who controls the fate of all Sarkaz!"
"Damn traitors! Damn it! Damn it all!!!"
Following Qaisatusta's emotions, the exposed black lightning wantonly destroyed everything around it.
Click--
The crisp sound briefly drew Qaisatusta's attention back, allowing him to see the crack in the altar.
Their pupils suddenly contracted, and at the same time, the Dead Souls in the furnace screamed in unison, and the entire furnace emitted a dazzling light.
No! How could something have happened to the altar? Everything should have been planned correctly!
Reaching the top of the furnace and looking down, Qaisatusta could see the longsword stuck at the bottom, its blade shimmering with runes that were constantly destroying the base of the altar.
"It's you!"
Qaisatusta grabbed Shining by the neck and lifted him up, roaring in fury:
"When? You clearly didn't know about this plan! Why were you prepared for it?"
Unable to speak Shining his neck being gripped, Qaisatusta simply searched his memories.
Before him, the one-horned Giant handed the modified longsword to the Confessarius.
[When the time is right, simply throw this longsword into the furnace.]
[Nothing else needs to be done?]
[No need, that fool will give the Sarkaz a true king.]
"Scar Eye --!!!"
No matter how confident he was before, one thing is certain: Qaisatusta's defenses have indeed been breached.
But worse news was yet to come.
Boom--!!!
A dark blade crackling with crimson lightning flew out of the furnace, and from the gaping rift, a figure slowly emerged, enveloped in the lightning.
"Yo... I'm back from hell!"
"Boss!" / "Miss Vera!"
Vera glanced around to check the casualties, then frowned at Qaisatusta, who was glaring at her.
"Was it you who cast the curse on Scout?"
There was no response; Qaisatusta's entire attention was drawn to the black Crown atop Vera's head.
Why... why are there two Black Crown?
Recalling his encounter in the Hall of All Souls, Qaisatusta suddenly understood.
The real Crown is with you!
With Originium Arts pushed to its limit and almost coming to a standstill, Qaisatusta reached out his hands toward the Crown he so desperately desired.
[Time Stop Sound Effect]
Snap--
With his severed hands falling to the ground, Qaisatusta, whose meridians had been severed, knelt before Vera.
"No... no! Don't take it away!"
Seeing Vera's hand reach towards the Crown above her head, even though she suspected the Crown was fake, Qaisatusta leaned back and fled.
Unable to even recall using magic to heal, Qaisatusta writhed, leaving behind only a disheveled silhouette.
Instead of immediately dealing with the culprit, Vera looked at the ever-surging crimson tide in the city.
[Vane:... They must pay for what they've done! Let the Star Pod fall! Let the Daichi burn!]
[Vera: Destroyed City (jpg)]
[Vera: Did you do this?]
[Vane: Let... cough cough cough! Second brother, are you alright?]
[Gorth:... I'm going back.]
[Gregor:... If you spread misinformation again, you'll be stuck with your Ancestral Bug forever.]
[Vane:!!!]
[Vane: It's because the second brother isn't replying to messages! You can't blame me!]
[Vera: I'll deal with you later.]
Returning to reality, Vera slowly approached Qaisatusta, who had crawled a few meters.
"A steadfast will coupled with twisted desires... what an ugly soul."
Ignoring the mockery behind him, Qaisatusta resolutely marched toward the edge of the furnace.
He must live!
No matter how ugly he is, he will live on!
"For what?"
In order to... In order to...
Qaisatusta looked up at the sword blocking his path.
"At a time like this, it's most appropriate to let this guy handle it."
On the Demon King's Oath, eleven incantations faintly lit up, one of which slowly detached and transformed into a human form.
Qaisatusta's eyes widened.
At this moment, the illusory figure standing before me was both so unfamiliar and so familiar.
The one knocking on the door—the Demon King of White Horn.
"You're responsible for cleaning up your own mess."
Vera turned and walked towards the cheering mercenaries, leaving only the two demon lords, who were similar yet different, together.
"... Why?"
Qaisatusta propped himself up with his severed arm, his face contorted in a ferocious grimace.
Why are you rejecting me too?
"I am your successor! Your will, your shadow, the destination you pursued!"
Why aren't you on my side?!
The White-Horned Demon King did not respond, but instead sent a message.
That was the city the White-Horned Demon King failed to build, the city that Qaisatusta could never enter.
Qaisatusta stood there, stunned.
There was no grand sense of righteousness involved; the reason he was abandoned was quite simple.
There are people who do it better than him.
No! You can't do this!
Seeing the large hand reaching towards him, Qaisatusta fled in vain.
[By the will of the new king, you shall not perish forever until the wrath of the All Souls has subsided.]
After briefly inquiring about the current situation from the mercenaries, Vera praised Rice and the others for their bravery.
"Well done, like a real man."
"Oh oh!"
The mercenaries were stunned for a moment, then cheered in unison.
Although the boss lady has suddenly become more masculine, she is still the boss lady after all.
Logos stepped forward, opened his mouth, but said something unintelligible.
What is that equally black Crown? What did we encounter in the furnace? And where did the shadow of the White-Horned Demon King come from?
Logos had too many questions to ask, but in the end he just sighed.
"I'm glad you're alright."
The Banshee Queen looked up at Theresa above the furnace.
"... It's good that there are no more sacrifices."
"Don't be so pessimistic, why are you talking like she's dead?"
"???"
Vera caught Theresa as she slowly descended, returned the Crown to her, and handed it to the Banshee.
She herself returned to the furnace and retrieved the still-sleeping lazybones.
"Wis'adel, how long are you going to sleep?"
Compared to Theresa, who endured three days in the furnace, Wis'adel was well protected and should have woken up long ago.
As she expected, Wis'adel opened his eyes quickly after being called.
"... Is that really you?"
Wis'adel reached out and touched Vera's face.
"Really? What are you talking about?"
Vera, not understanding why, simply laid it flat.
"Get up if you're awake, don't touch me... Hey!"
Vera was about to stop when she heard Wis'adel sob. Her lower back was tightly embraced.
"It's the real you... it's the real you..."
"Never mind..."
Unable to bear throwing her away, Vera simply picked up the girl and walked out.
Rumble--!
The roar of the Catastrophe cloud shook the bricks and stones, and the people who had briefly resolved the crisis immediately remembered the purpose of their trip.
"There's no time to lose; we have to take the residents to the city for emergency evacuation." Hedley looked at Logos.
"Can the Banshee Queen's magic reinforce the lower levels?"
I will do my best.
Logos responded seriously and immediately began setting up its presence.
Vera turned her head, and two heads popped out from the gangway leading to the top of the furnace.
"Phew... these two lumps of meat are such a hassle, even climbing the ladder is inconvenient."
"Don't let those Sankta hear you say that, or you'll be riddled with bullets."
Vera looked at the drastically changed old friend and hesitated:
"Closure?"
"Ah? It's me! It's me!"
Vera gasped, and before she could ask why, Lucky pulled her aside.
"Second brother, we should go."
"... What's the meaning?"
"Catastrophe! That thing is about to fall. My Bloodline Heir Cluster has blocked part of it, but if we keep blocking it, it will only get stronger."
"Okay, I understand."
"Fine, since you can resurrect anyway, we'll take them all down together when we get out..."
"You go first."
"... Me alone?" Lucky confirmed incredulously.
Upon receiving Vera's silent response, Lucky immediately began jumping up and down in the air.
"No, no! They can all be resurrected anyway, they won't really die. Do you really want to witness Catastrophe up close? Even if you try to tough it out, you might still die!"
"I know."
"Then you should!"
"But this city can't hold on."
Vera arrived at the edge of the furnace, gazing at the dilapidated city below, Lucky anxiously flew to her side.
"It's just one city; something even better will be delivered to you soon!"
Unable to hide his surprise, Lucky confessed.
"The cities that fell in Aegir are still incredibly valuable, even decades ago. Little Black could easily repair them and make them fly again!"
"This is your birthday present. Now that you have this, why would you need this piece of junk under your feet?"
Vera was momentarily taken aback by the claim of a birthday gift, then laughed:
"You still remember? Thank you!"
Looking at Vera's eyes, Lucky asked, puzzled:
Why do you insist on staying? What's so special about this city?
"Nothing special about it..."
Gazing calmly at the swirling, Catastrophe cloud, Vera said:
"I just don't want to back down."
"What do you mean...?"
Boom--!!!
Lucky suddenly raised his head.
"Catastrophe... have intensified!?"
Underground, deep within the altar.
The blue-haired Confessarius stopped drawing, letting the blood from his wrist flow away.
"Lord Qaisatusta... I've come to keep you company."
Above, others also discovered the strange Catastrophe.
"Let's go, boss! It'll be too late if we don't take shelter now!"
"You can go ahead, I'll be right there."
"Okay!"
The mercenaries left under Vera's watchful gaze. Not long after, Lucky reappeared beside Vera and spat out a weapon.
"Here... the Magic Crab Titanium Sword has an invincibility effect, remember to use it."
"Didn't you say that being arrogant is outdated?"
"You're so long-winded!"
Flying to Vera's head, bobbing unhappily, Lucky asked:
"So, how exactly do you plan to resolve this?"
"... To be honest, I don't quite understand either."
Vera stared at the vortex, the dark clouds tinged with red, and black dust descended first.
[It has taken a thousand years to help our compatriots stand up; at least... let them no longer bend their backs.]
"Just stand up."
"What?"
Lucky was puzzled by this abrupt reply, while Vera laughed and shouted.
"Stand up!"
[Excited scream!]
"Dead Souls! It's Dead Souls!"
The mercenaries assisting with the evacuation looked up in astonishment as the Dead Souls that had escaped after the furnace was destroyed hovered high in the sky.
Ten thousand figures converged, transforming into a vortex completely opposite to the sky, blocking the Originium dust descending from the Catastrophe.
Rumble--!
The Catastrophe roared once more. The dust, which had been at the forefront, was intercepted, followed by countless massive, accumulated crystals.
Beneath the furnace, the Banshee Queen solemnly raised her magic.
Before these meteorites fall, at least their size should be reduced.
"Stand up!"
A shout rang out in the air above Kazdel, followed by shrill laughter.
The Wandering Soul Core, hidden in the darkness, emerged from the Crown and hovered in the sky.
The Dead Souls cooperated, merging into the new body.
[Dead Souls Aggregate - King of Wandering Souls]
In the blink of an eye, this enormous soul merged into the city, and even those who saw it clearly couldn't help but wonder if they were hallucinating.
But soon, they no longer had any doubts.
Rumble--
A slight rumble, the clanging of gears—the city separates and then recombines.
"W-What's going on here!?"
The land they were on was rapidly sloping downwards and enveloping them, but Closure still managed to see this incredible scene clearly.
In the desolate wilderness where there is no light, creatures fear natural Catastrophe, for they do not know how to avoid them.
But as everything was analyzed, people no longer feared Catastrophe.
Because they already possessed the weapons to oppose Him.
[Civilization]
Kazdel has stood up!
The queen called out, and her city rose.
Following the memories of what they learned in the Engineering Department, countless massive Machinery extended, and the Dead Souls faithfully entered them, serving as ammunition for the load.
As the barrage of beams of light and fire intercepted the Catastrophe, the Sarkaz belatedly realized...
At this moment, the creations of civilization launch a counterattack against Catastrophe.
"Stand up!"
Even so, the king was not satisfied.
Warm flames of spirit light spread across the sky, and the cold corpses regained life and rose again.
Catastrophe has enraged! This is a violation of taboo!
And so, final destruction came.
"No, second brother, this thing really can't be solved."
Lucky looked at the enormous object emerging from the Catastrophe clouds; a meteorite, even larger than the city, was about to collide with them.
"[Sarkaz curse!] At a time like this, you expect me to say no!?"
Vera glared at Lucky and raised her longsword.
"A mere Catastrophe... I'll blast it back!"
Lucky's eyes widened.
"This pose... is it real!?"
As 13 runes lit up from the sword, a buzzing sound rang in the ears of the Sarkaz throughout the continent.
"The Thirteen Oaths are Released, the Demon King Council is Unsealed!"
On the pristine, towering city wall, eleven figures stood tall.
[Not a battle to betray one's original aspirations— the Farstrider, acknowledging]
[Not a war fought for personal gain – the bricklayer admits]
[Not a war fought for survival or escapism—the Sunriseer acknowledges]
[Not a war to slaughter the innocent - Azure Fury, acknowledges]
[Not a battle to surrender to fate—the proclamation, an admission]
[Not a war to devour one's own kind— the Great Rotter admits it.]
[Not a war to forget suffering—the woodcutter acknowledges]
[Not a war of conspiracy or injustice— the Banshee admits it]
[Not a war of bloodshed between relatives - Bloodstained Prince, acknowledges]
[Not a war to destroy a city-state—the one knocking on the door acknowledges]
[Not for a war of hatred – Elesh, acknowledging]
Not enough! This alone... is still not enough!
Vera gritted her teeth.
The dazzling crimson light dyed Kazdel a blood red, like a constantly burning sun.
"I had a long and beautiful dream..."
In the light, the pink-haired demon king awakens.
"If it were you, you could definitely do it, right?"
[Not for the sake of sacrificing the future in this war— Theresa, admits]
Done!
Vera raised the magic sword, making her final act of liberation.
"Fight to protect those who cry— Vera, admit it!"
All thirteen demon lords have given their approval, and the Demon King's Oath have been fully unleashed!
The magical ripples spread through the air, Dead Souls, having completed their work, excitedly poured out of the city and converged on the magic sword.
"Get out of my way! I started it!"
"Fuck you! The most capable should take the position!"
Ten thousand souls surged wildly toward the sword, but in the end only a thousand souls managed to enter.
"Damn it! My energy bar is full!"
The immense energy tore through space, and the remaining Dead Souls swarmed to Vera's feet, supporting her body.
Far away, in the idyllic land where fairies live, there lies a holy sword of stars.
Legend has it that whoever possesses it will be invincible, and those who gain its recognition will unleash unimaginable power.
Born to be an enemy of counter-civilization, its widely known name is --
"Excalibur!!!"
It's hard to imagine that such a tiny blade could unleash such a massive torrent.
Is it the sun?
No, perhaps it should be called the breath of stars.
Despite their different appearances and vows, this sword still fulfilled the mission it was given at birth.
Defeat the enemy of civilization!
"Bomb it!"
Boom--!!!
A beam of light, reaching to the heavens and the earth, pierced through the meteorite and the vortex, relentlessly bombarding the illusory high sky.
Beneath the Columbia wilderness, an ancient being suddenly awakens from its slumber.
Click--
When cracks appeared in that Star Pod that isolated the universe, the entire Daichi heard this sound.
Boom--!!!
Passing through the veil of illusion, the breath of the stars travels to the stars, and the Catastrophe dissipate.
The longsword, still steaming, was planted in the ground, Vera, exhausted, supported herself.
"... Resolved?"
"Brother..."
Looking at the huge crack in the sky, Lucky silently swayed his body up and down.
"You're amazing."