Money-grubbing Necromancer (219)
Balkan’s face became much more relaxed.
‘That’s fortunate.’
Kim Min-woo’s skills were just confirmed in the fight. If he had continued to fight, Kim Min-woo’s body would have been torn in half, and he would have become a stray just like he warned. Considering that, he is inferior to me.
But that doesn’t mean it’s weak.
Balkan is a being who has the stone of the demon god embedded in his heart. His power was enough to influence even the highest-ranking demon lords. If you think about it, the position of lord is not just a title, but a position with many powers and benefits… … .
‘It’s amazing.’
The bravest human I’ve ever seen. With his undead bros, he could easily take down any low-ranking demon lord by himself.
Even if he was a great monarch, he was someone with enough power to buy time.
He was a figure of much higher power than the deputy commander Kalung, so I couldn’t help but feel reassured about joining.
That was when.
Kim Min-woo said.
“Let’s sort it out. The demon lords wouldn’t give up, right? The Demon God’s Stone must be very valuable.”
-Once we’re together, it will be like that.
“What about taking advantage of greed?”
―… … Exploiting greed?
“There is only one stone, but there are seven overlords. Who will get it?”
At that moment, Kalung joined the conversation.
– I think they’ve reached an agreement on that. Baal will probably take it. He’s the most powerful demon lord.
“Then I guess the other monarchs will be dissatisfied.”
―Being the strongest means having a lot. There must be a lot to give away.
“Even so, isn’t it just a piece of debris? If the stone of the demon god is really that precious.”
– That seems to be the case… … Then, is there a way to use greed?
“Valkan. How many monarchs can you and your mercenary band take on together?”
―I can deal with one somehow. From two… … Honestly, it’ll be difficult.
“Then, from the monarchs’ point of view, they must be treated as fish that have already been caught. This time, there are seven of them.”
-I guess so. So?
“Is there a map or something that shows the Demon World area?”
-I know the terrain a little.
As he said that, Kalung dug his nails into the ground. He saw the solid rock being cut away like tofu.
Swish, swish.
Every time he waved his hand, plausible terrains appeared.
―The land of the Demon World is, when viewed broadly, circular. Each region is ruled by a monarch.
“Just show the areas ruled by the overlords. Even if it’s just a rough estimate.”
-Okay. Here. Here. Here… … .
Kalung marked dots all over the circular terrain. Kim Min-woo’s eyes lit up when he saw them. The land of Marbas, the 5th lord currently located, was located to the north of the circle.
It’s 12 o’clock on the clock.
Paimon was at 11 o’clock, and the other monarchs were spread out in various places.
Baal, who was said to have the greatest power, was at the opposite end, at 6 o’clock.
The demon world is vast.
It took three whole days to get here from Paimon’s land next door.
That’s the time it took to fly at the speed of a bullet.
Just because the great monarchs move doesn’t mean they will immediately gather in one area.
If you use any kind of space travel, it might be fine.
I looked at Kalung.
“One question. How did you hear that the distant monarchs had departed?”
―There are special bugs called Void Bugs in the Demon Realm. When a male and female mate, their minds resonate. If you train those bugs… …you will be able to contact them through a sorcerer.
“It’s like a magic crystal ball.”
Is it like the feeling of communicating with each other through crystal balls in a fantasy world?
At those words, Balkan chuckled.
– It can’t be compared to such trivial human magic. The resonance range of the Voidling is close to infinite.
“Can you deliver news immediately, no matter how far away it is?”
-Yes. They are that precious. There aren’t many of them in our mercenary group.
“Paimon gave me a rock like this to find you. Is it that precious?”
―Even monarchs wouldn’t have had more than a few. The habitats of Voidlings are very rare. Also, it’s a job to find a sorcerer who can educate the bugs and resonate their minds.
“What are the downsides?”
―The number of times you can send a message depends on the distance. If it’s far away, it’s hard to send it even once a day. The Void Bug gets tired.
Here, I’m starting to get a pretty good picture… … .
“The worst thing is that all seven monarchs come together and invade. Right?”
The Balkans and the Balrogs nodded. Then there’s nothing we can do. We have to run away no matter what.
“How about if you come separately? Wouldn’t it be a lot easier if there were just two or three of you?”
―It would be much better than if the seven of them came together. Or, how about we hit Marbas first? He’ll still be alone.
“not really.”
-Why?
“We might be able to capture one monarch, but there are six left. The rest will be more cautious, and we probably won’t get another good opportunity.”
―Hmm… … Then what should I do? Should I spread a rumor? Something like that, saying that I’ve become weaker?
Sigh.
Kim Min-woo laughed.
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“Isn’t that a too naive plan?”
-……what?
“Would the demon lords come running in a panic just because you spread a single rumor? You know they’re cunning, don’t you?”
―… … Ahem.
The guy showed an embarrassed expression, as if he thought it was a bit odd.
-Damn it! Why are you laughing like that? Do you have any good ideas?
I turned my head and looked at Kalung.
“Kalung.”
-yes.
“Do all the mercenary kids know now? The Demon Lord is coming.”
– I don’t know yet. I told you the news as soon as I heard it.
Even, I didn’t know that the Demon Lords were joining forces to attack Balkan. When I entered Balkan’s cave, I only brought Kalung, Kim Minwoo, and Longlong.
“Is there any Balrog who might betray me?”
―… … Betrayal?
“They say all the Demon Lords are coming. Are all the mercenaries that loyal? To the point where they wouldn’t be shaken by something like this?
―… … .
Kalung was silent.
Are the mercenaries loyal?
Of course I’m loyal.
But that was closer to the concept of worshipping the strong. Thanks to the Balkans, I moved around here and there, but I never really experienced any difficulties.
That is why there was a strong internal solidarity.
However, the bond was not perfect.
Although we were able to live together and raise our voices thanks to the Balkans, it is also true that we lost our individual freedoms.
There must have been a disgruntled Balrog. If such nightmarish news were to reach them… … .
―… … Maybe there will be people who think differently. We should take this opportunity to crack down on the inside… … .
“No. I have to use it as bait.”
-yes?
“We have to use it as bait to catch the demon lords.”
-What do you mean…?
“We have to bring in the demon lords. And only a few of them. Right?”
Nod.
“In that case, the people nearby who have quickly arrived at Marbas’ territory must be anxious. For example, Paimon from the neighboring village and others like that.”
-That’s right.
“What if the guy who betrayed the mercenary group brings them good news?”
-ah!
Kalung’s eyes lit up.
Now I understand what Kim Min-woo is talking about.
– I see! If only the ‘traitor’ could give me some plausible news… … .
“There will definitely be people who will change their minds. Marbas, who is nearby, will start to get anxious.
How about sending the traitor when about two or three people gather?
Will the other demon lords wait patiently for that Baal guy at 6 o’clock to arrive?
This is a great opportunity to steal the stones of the demon?
There was also a guarantee of truthfulness there. From the traitor’s perspective, it would be a real surrender, not a false surrender.
Whether you search your mind or dig into your memories, you’ll be hard pressed to find anything suspicious.
– If it works, we might be able to defeat them all individually. It would be Paimon, Marbas, and Amon. They are the closest.
Ranked 5th, 6th, and 7th in the pecking order.
Even among the overlords, it might be possible to cleanly sweep away the lower-ranking ones.
-But… …what about the remaining monarchs?
“Why are you worrying about that now?”
-……yes?
“There is no perfect plan in the world. You just have to do the most plausible thing first. If it works, you’re out of three, right?”
It’s not too late to think about the rest after you’ve succeeded.
* * *
5th Lord Marbas.
Two demon lords gathered in his office.
Amon, the 6th in the hierarchy, has a wrinkled owl-like face.
And the 7th was Paimon.
Among the seven great monarchs, they are ranked lower.
Also, the territories they each ruled were close to each other, so it was not strange that they were close to each other.
First, Marbas, who resembled a lion’s head, roared mightily.
-Keung! It’s been a while. Sir Amon. And Sir Paimon. How have you been?
―Kkol kol. What’s there to see in the wasteland? Those were boring days.
Amon answered with a peculiar cry, a tone that sounded like the laughter of a bird.
At that moment, Paimon spoke with a mischievous smile.
―I had a little fun. A human came and killed my son. It was quite interesting.
The two demon lords’ eyes were filled with curiosity. Humans, the creatures that inhabit Middle-earth, are the demons’ main prey.
That man killed Paimon’s son.
It was a story that could not help but be interesting. Paimon, who had attracted such interest, continued the story.
-Keung! So, you’re saying that guy went to Balkan?
―Yes. I would have liked to burst your eardrums with my own music, but… … If I think about it, wouldn’t that have been a trivial ending?
―Kkol kol. That’s right. It’s trivial. I hurt your reputation, and that’s all you can do. There are seven overlords!
Amon smiled happily as if he had noticed Paimon’s intentions.
Monarchs have their own unique powers. It is much more painful to die by seven powers than to die by one power.
―Keung! I will ask the lords, including my Lord Baal. I am sure they will be happy to help. Don’t you owe us a great debt?
―Kkol kol. That’s right. He’s taking the Demon God’s Stone, so of course I have to grant him that kind of favor. But… … .
Amon’s face became serious.
– Even if that’s true, how did Baal persuade the other monarchs?
-well…….
The stone of the drinker.
It is a treasure that all the demons would desire. The Seven Great Lords were no different. Every time they felt the spirit of the demon god on Balkan’s body, how hard it was to suppress their boiling greed!
However, the Balkans were safe because there was still the problem of what to do after obtaining the stone.
What if the lower-ranking overlord gets the stone?
It may be possible to quickly rise to 3rd or 2nd place. Given enough time, it wouldn’t be difficult to reach the most glorious position.
Naturally, restraints will pour in.
After subduing the Balkan powers and being greatly weakened, you are subject to the restraints of other great monarchs?
In the worst case scenario, it could lead to destruction.
That’s why I could only watch with my mouth open, like a pie in the sky.
‘It was the same for me too… … .’
Paimon whetted his appetite.
Amon and Marbas.
Both were ‘friendly neighbors’ with similar ranks in neighboring fiefdoms, but what if he got the stone?
It was obvious.
That person’s good smile will instantly turn into an evil one.
Your eyes will roll back as you try to tear out your heart and snatch the stone.
It was the same for him too.
That is why the three gathered here agreed that Baal should have ownership.
First in the hierarchy anyway.
It won’t make much of a difference to them whether they have a stone or not.
But the top overlords, the second and third tiers, were different. They could immediately claim Baal’s seat if they just got the stone. What on earth was offered that made them agree to the transfer of ownership?
That was when.
Bam!
The door opened.
Marbas’s subordinate, who had come in hurriedly, shouted.
―Master! I think you should come immediately. The mercenaries have surrendered!
―… … What? Those Balrog guys?
―Yes! A considerable number of them surrendered, but then they brought me strange news. They said that the Balkan guy was very weak. I heard that he was seriously injured… … .
The eyes of the three demon lords opened wide.
Balkans are badly injured?
-Are you sure?
―… … I caught a few of them and searched their brains thoroughly! At least, it doesn’t seem to be a lie.
Not only was the number of mercenaries reduced due to the surrender, but even the Balkans were weakened?
‘wait for a sec.’
‘If this happens… … .’
‘Is there really a need to wait for other guys?’
The three demon lords looked at each other as if they had made a promise.
Marbas’ lion face revealed sharp teeth. His mane rippled with excitement.
―Keung! We can’t miss this opportunity. How about we make the first move?
―Gasp. This seems like a perfect opportunity. Paimon, what do you think?
Paimon was silent for a moment, a sly smile spreading across his camel-like face.
– That’s interesting. But if we act alone, it could cause problems later. Shouldn’t we contact the other monarchs?
―Keung! It’s just a waste of time! Do you think they’ll let us move alone? We have to go! Or we might miss our chance!
Marbas speaks urgently.
His eyes were gleaming with greed. If he did well, it would be a chance to get the stone of the demon for free.
Isn’t this an opportunity you can’t afford to miss?
―Kkol kol. Calm down, Marbas. Paimon has a point. Shouldn’t you think about the aftermath at least a little?
―Let’s do this. Let’s move first, but let’s also send a message to the other monarchs. That way, we’ll have an excuse later.
The eyes of the three demon lords gleamed with greed. Their greed for the demon stone began to overwhelm their reason.
One thing is certain.
There is no more time to wait for other guys.
