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Chapter 217: The Third Trial (5)
There was a reason why Paimon found this troublesome.
The very fact that Kim Minwoo wanted to meet Vulcan was a variable for him.
If Kim Minwoo had been insignificant, Paimon would have attacked him already.
The fact that he hadn't done so was probably because of Kim Minwoo's resilience during the concert.
"Amazing. Is Vulcan that strong? Enough for all seven Great Demon Lords to join forces?"
—That's impossible. However, if we face him alone, the casualties will be massive. Are the Balrogs an ordinary race? Imagine a mercenary group composed entirely of them!
Paimon's face became serious.
—That's why we're joining forces. This is an unbreakable pact. So, give up on Vulcan.
"I'll think about it. So, where is Vulcan?"
Paimon's brow furrowed.
—Does Vulcan owe you something? Why do you keep trying to find him? I've kindly warned you.
"I have something to say to him. I just want to talk and leave. That shouldn't be a problem for you, Paimon."
—What if you reveal our plans? Wouldn't that be troublesome?
"Do you really think so?"
An arrogant Demon Lord.
All seven Great Demon Lords, the highest-ranking beings among them, had gathered. Whether Kim Minwoo went to see Vulcan or not, would it really matter that much to Paimon?
Even if it did, would he fight here to stop him?
'No way.'
If that were the case, there would have been a fight with Vulcan already.
Paimon chuckled.
—Haha! I can't fool you. Fine. I'll tell you. Vulcan is on a confidential mission. To be precise, he's operating in the 5th Lord's territory. Go find him if you want.
After finishing his words, Paimon handed over a jewel. It was a red jewel with an arrow drawn on it.
—It will glow redder as you get closer.
Soon, the human and the Balrog left his office. In the distance, they could see the group leaving the castle.
〈My Lord. Should we let them go?〉
The snake, or rather the advisor Posike, sitting on his shoulder, asked cautiously.
—What's the problem? It's just one human joining them.
〈That's true, but... .〉
Posike held back the words that the human was strong enough to make even Paimon hesitant to fight.
—Honestly, it was too predictable. If all the Great Demon Lords were involved, that Balrog wouldn't stand a chance. But look at this now! Isn't it much more interesting?
〈Will that human really join forces with Vulcan? As he said, he might just be going to talk to him.〉
—Does that really matter? What's really important is that the human didn't listen to my warning.
Paimon's mouth stretched into a wide grin.
Saliva dripped down his chin.
Demons are petty.
This was also true for Paimon, the 7th in the hierarchy.
Vulcan had committed many sins.
As a boorish and uncultured Balrog, had not only spoken arrogantly with his status as a mere 'mercenary captain' but he had also failed to carry out Paimon's orders properly.
Kim Minwoo had just committed the same sin.
The sin of baring his teeth at a Demon Lord as a mere prey.
That sin was a grave one.
Therefore, Paimon intended to deal with it.
By joining forces with the other Great Demon Lords.
Like a cunning demon, without any variables.
* * *
They left the castle.
Longlong, having left the city, breathed a sigh of relief as if he could finally live.
—So, what are you going to do now?
"What about you, Longlong? If Vulcan's gone, you'll be in charge of the village. Doesn't that appeal to you?"
—It would be a lie to say I'm not tempted. But... I want to save Vulcan.
"Why?"
—Because it's thanks to the captain that the Balrogs came together and that we have a united voice as a mercenary group.
"Did you used to live separately?"
—Yes. Our race is strong, so there wasn't much reason for us to live in groups. We were scattered and lived as we pleased.
"There must have been pros and cons."
—That's right. But no matter how strong we are, there's a limit to what we can do alone. Balrogs were always being hunted.
Longlong continued his story calmly. Balrogs were strong.
But as strong as they were, their weaknesses were also clear. A quick temper, strong greed.
And simple minds.
Balrogs were often used by demons, he said.
The status of Balrogs in the demon world gradually declined, and eventually, even when they knew the situation was worsening, they couldn't raise their voices. That was because their power was fragmented, like in the Warring States period.
It was Vulcan who changed that trend. His power was truly outstanding among the Balrogs.
Sometimes, strong power can become a centripetal force. That's how the mercenary group was born, and the Balrog village came into being.
'Up to this point, he sounds like a hero Balrog...'
The problem was that, as the saying goes, "He can't fix his personality," and the same was true for Vulcan.
—I know it's shameless, but can't you save the captain?
Longlong's eyes were filled with desperation. For him, this was like grasping at straws.
"I have to."
—R-Really?!
"That's why I wanted to meet you in the first place."
In the first trial, he helped Cedric overcome his regret.
In the second trial, he avenged Merhen's grudge.
In the end, this trial was structured so that he had to take the side of the Legion Commander.
—The problem is, how do we save Vulcan? Maybe if I try to persuade him... .
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"Persuade him? To surrender?"
—Isn't that better than the crazy option of fighting the Seven Great Demon Lords?
"Do you think they'll forgive him if he bows his head now? I don't think so."
—...Then what do we do? Do you have any brilliant ideas, Kim Minwoo?
"Do you think I would?"
The strongest being he had ever seen was the Grand Witch Ananke.
Even with the special buff of Legion Commander Enhancement through Unwavering Will, she was a monster he couldn't dare to face.
She was also the only being who almost pierced through Merhen's enhanced magic.
Paimon showed a presence that wasn't far behind Ananke.
'To catch even one of them, I'd have to invest all my resources...'
The Guidance of Fate wasn't off cooldown yet, but even excluding that, there were quite a few things he could use.
Four things came to mind immediately.
1. Nuclear Bomb.
2. Dice of Fate (Luck).
3. Elu's Tears (Ring).
4. Item Rank Up Ticket.
These were resources he had cherished like gold and jade. Nuclear bombs were nuclear bombs.
The Dice of Fate, after experiencing misfortune in the previous Orc Gate, was now strongly biased towards luck.
If he rolled it, it would probably show at least a 5 or higher.
The luckiest guy is always the strongest.
This was a big variable.
Then there was Elu's Tear.
It was an Ancient-rank ring with the effect of being able to use a miracle once a month.
The Rank Up Ticket was... .
'If I had to, I could use it on the nuclear bomb and detonate it. Or use it on the dice.'
Then he could easily catch Paimon.
But the reason he didn't use them was that they were too valuable to invest in catching just the 7th-ranked Demon Lord.
'Besides, catching him won't be the end of it.'
All seven Great Demon Lords were gathered.
Catching just one wouldn't solve the problem.
"Let's go find him."
He climbed onto Longlong's back.
As he took the reins, Longlong flapped his wings. The crimson sky drew closer.
They started moving in the direction the arrow pointed.
* * *
The fact that the 7th Lord Paimon's territory had a rather sophisticated style was something he realized only after leaving his domain.
The 5th Lord Marbas.
The territory of the Great Demon Lord, known to have the head of a lion, was like... .
'It's like the real primitive age.'
He could see the twisted trees of the demon world stretching endlessly.
All sorts of insect-type monsters, easily exceeding a meter in size, were swarming around.
If even mere insects were that big, what about the animals?
They were literally the size of dinosaurs.
As they went deeper into the territory, where such monster forests continued endlessly, the jewel Paimon gave him started to glow ominously.
—There, I see it!
The place Longlong pointed to.
There were holes in various places on what appeared to be a cliff.
It resembled the Balrog dwellings dug into volcanoes.
Balrogs could be seen flying around, keeping watch.
—Stop.
A voice echoed.
Soon, a hint of welcome was added to the voice.
—Wait. Are you, by any chance, Longlong?
—Yes! Brother Kalrung! It's me, Longlong!
The Balrog called Kalrung brightened up.
—Oh, Longlong! Long time no see. But how did you know where to find this place?
—I asked Lord Paimon. Can I see the captain? It's urgent!
—Alright. I'll guide you to the captain... Wait. What's that on your back?
The gazes of Kalrung and the other Balrogs turned towards them. It seemed they had just noticed something clinging to his back.
—This is Kim Minwoo. He's a human, and a great expert recognized by Lord Paimon himself.
—What? Lord Paimon acknowledged him?
The Balrogs' faces, which had looked ready to drool at the mention of a human, changed instantly.
A human acknowledged by Paimon?
'That tiny thing?'
'Is it real?'
Still, it was the testimony of a fellow Balrog.
Trusting his comrade, Kalrung guided the two into the largest cave.
—Wait a moment.
Inside the rough cave.
Kalrung entered.
Soon, the largest Balrog among the mercenaries walked out.
'He looks exactly the same.'
The Balrog had the same appearance as the one he had seen before.
It was Vulcan.
—I heard you were looking for me, human. What's the matter?
"The Great Demon Lords have joined forces. To kill you."
—Oh. The Great Demon Lords have united? All seven of them?
"Yes. I heard it from Paimon."
—Huh. Looks like Paimon isn't a gentleman either. Well, his eyes were always pale. Alright, thanks for the effort. Now get lost.
Vulcan waved his hand dismissively. Longlong was startled.
—N-No! Captain! Kim Minwoo came here to help! He's a tremendous expert!
—You've gotten a lot better at jokes, Longlong. A mere human?
Then Vulcan smiled.
—I've been to the middle world a few times. I saw countless humans there. Every single one of them was weak and cunning. Humans can't be trusted.
—... .
Longlong fell silent.
In Vulcan's current state, no amount of persuasion would work.
That's when it happened.
Kim Minwoo, who had been listening quietly, asked.
"Like Balrogs?"
—Huh? What does that mean?
"I heard Balrogs are all simple-minded, stupid, and quick-tempered. Seeing you, I understand exactly what that means."
Vulcan's face turned crimson. The other Balrogs nearby did the same.
The reputation of Balrogs spread throughout the demon world.
A mere human was openly reciting what they were trying to keep quiet.
—...Do you want to die?
"Why are you angry because you're getting a taste of your own medicine?"
A brief silence followed.
Soon, a red whip appeared in his hand.
—...In the demon world, we speak with strength.
"I think that's a very good saying."
This is what swords and summons are for.
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HELHEIM SCANS
[Translator - Prøks]
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