VOLUME 10: CHAPTER 16

VOLUME 10: CHAPTER 16

True to his words, the Fire Giant went back to the portal and informed his master about the conversation he had with the human. When Chief Researcher Muuka heard of this, he was delighted.

“A human wish to speak with me?” said Chief Muuka, unable to hide his excitement.

Not an army, but a lone human.

“Lord, the human seems powerful,” said Moltus, the Fire Giant. “It’ll be dangerous to meet with him on your own.”

“I know,” said Chief Researcher Muuka. “That’s why you’re coming with me. And you, too, Arboa.”

The seventy-meter large metallic snake hissed. It slithered closer, and Muuka stroked its snout. The body of the metallic snake hadn’t fully healed yet from the damage it received from Lark’s explosion spell. Throughout its body, there were still broken or missing scales. Still, it was one of the strongest creations of the Red Tower. Chief Researcher Muuka judged it would be enough to protect him along with the Fire Giant.

“I will come too,” said Azrath.

It was a welcome addition to the group. The Lord of the Wraiths wasn’t nosy, unlike the other major tribe leaders.

Silent yet powerful.

Submissive to authority but domineering to his enemies.

Personally speaking, to Chief Researcher Muuka, he was the most likable High Demon among the Tribe Leaders.

“It’ll be a blunder if something were to happen to the leader of our army, Chief Muuka,” said Azrath. “Please allow me to come along.”

“Of course,” agreed Chief Researcher Muuka. “I’ll be able to rest easy if the Lord of the Wraiths is going to accompany me.”

“Moltus! Arboa! Come!” said Chief Researcher Muuka. “Let us meet with the human right away!”

Although this was a dangerous move, Muuka’s heart as a researcher couldn’t let this chance pass by.

How often would one find a powerful human willing to converse with a demon?

Moreover, it seemed that the human wished for a peaceful negotiation. Chief Researcher Muuka was willing to brush aside the dangers for such an encounter. He had to satiate his curiosity. He had to hear the thoughts of that human, no matter what.

Chief Researcher Muuka, Azrath, the Fire Giant Moltus, and Arboa entered the portal leading to the Empire. Now that the portal had stabilized somewhat, the transfer process was unremarkable. For a split second, the space around them distorted, and they found themselves in a vast treeless plain.

“Oho!”

Chief Reseacher Muuka whistled at this site.

A clear blue sky.

A land filled with vitality.

The warm breeze before spring arrived.

And the walled city from the distance.

Although Chief Researcher Muuka had read about this in the books in the Red Tower, this was his first time seeing everything in flesh. Even the best written books couldn’t perfectly describe the beautiful scenery before his very eyes.

So, this was the Human Realm.

For the first time, Chief Researcher Muuka understood why the previous Lord of the Corrupted Land was so eager in coming here. It was truly untainted, compared to the arid land in the Demon Realm. Everywhere they looked, there was land to corrupt.

Chief Researcher Muuka’s eyes moved to the human hovering in the sky. Upon meeting his gaze, the human flew down and softly landed on the ground. Behind Chief Researcher Muuka, Azrath, the Fire Giant, and Arboa also started coming out of the portal.

“Are you the human who wishes to converse with me?” said Muuka.

There was no one else around them, but Muuka still asked.

Harris Mavis calmly observed the Fire Giant, the giant metallic snake, and the creature who looked like an undead knight. Each of them felt ridiculously strong to the point that Master Harris doubted if he could kill even one of them.

Just the giant metallic snake alone could probably lay waste to a major city or two.

For a moment, Master Harris was glad that he didn’t approach this hastily. Hopefully, these monsters would listen to reason.

“Are you their leader?” said Master Harris.

Muuka seemed to be in a festive mood. He kept looking around, observing the new scenery before him. He happily nodded, “That’s correct. Muuka, Chief Researcher of the Red Tower. Acting Commander-in-chief of the Vanguard, a demon army under the Demon Lord Barkuvara.”

This was the first time Harris Mavis heard of these names. He’d read some lore and legends related to demons when he was younger, but none of those books mentioned any of them. Well, it was to be expected. Most of the humans in this continent considered the demons to be nothing but myths and legends, after all.

Master Harris returned the courtesy. “Harris Mavis. One of the Royal Court Magicians of the Empire, Master of the First Tower of Mages.”

“Oho!” Chief Researcher Muuka’s eyes glimmered in excitement. “So, this is a human Empire!” He looked around once again and noticed the abandoned village nearby. He mumbled, “Relocating the portal here seems to be the correct decision. A fertile land teeming with humans. It’ll be a suitable gift to the Demon Lord.”

Chief Researcher Muuka looked at Master Harris and said, “So, human. What do you wish to speak with me about?”

Master Harris stabbed his staff on the ground, and placed his free hand on his chest. He bowed his head, “First of all, thank you for heeding my request for a conversation.”

Chief Researcher Muuka smiled. Unlike his fellow demons who knew nothing but brute force, at least this human knew how to show proper courtesies.

“Pleasantries exchanged with a human…,” said Chief Researcher Muuka. “It doesn’t feel bad.”

“But,” Chief Researcher Muuka raised his index finger. His bald head filled with creases was covered by his shiny, black hooded cloak, “We don’t have all day. Get straight to the point.”

Master Harris looked at Chief Researcher Muuka in the eyes, “Please go back. I don’t know how you managed to achieve it, but I’m certain that the massive sphere behind you is a portal connecting this land to another realm.”

“That’s correct, human,” said Chief Researcher Muuka. He stroked his chin. “Based on your words, it seems that you hold a fairly high position within human society. How… splendid.”

Chief Researcher Muuka licked his black lips. “As a gift, I will tell you this. The portal at my back is directly connected to the Demon Realm.”

Master Harris’s eyes momentarily widened. He already had several theories in his mind, and the words of the leader of the demons finally confirmed it.

“Currently, over a million demons are waiting at the other side of that portal,” said Chief Researcher Muuka. “And all of them are awaiting my command.”

Master Harris trembled at this revelation.

Just these three were already bad news – but there were over a million others waiting on the other side? He couldn’t see how any nation, even the Great Empire, could possibly win against such overwhelming numbers.

“As for your request,” said Chief Researcher Muuka. “As much as I’m delighted by this conversation, unfortunately, I must decline,”

“Why are you doing this?” growled Master Harris.

“It is the will of the one who stands above all demons,” Chief Researcher Muuka pointed his finger above. “And I believe this is also the will of our ancestors. The demons who perished during the Great War! Our generation shall be the one to fulfill their lifelong desires!”

Hearing these words, Master Harris realized that there was no convincing these demons. He realized that there was no way out of this mess other than to fight. Still, Master Harris decided to try pleading again one last time. He decided to throw away any of his remaining pride for the slim chance of successfully convincing the leader of the demons.

“Despite my appearance, I am a prominent figure in this country,” said Harris Mavis. He bowed even lower. “Please take my head instead. And in exchange, please go back to your realm.”

Chief Researcher Muuka shook his head. “What can the life of a single human do? Do not be mistaken. No matter how powerful you are, you are insignificant in the grand scheme of things. As I’ve said before, what you’re requesting of us is out of the question. Even I cannot go against the will of the one who stands above all demons.”

Master Harris looked up and closed his eyes. Several seconds passed. He looked at Chief Researcher Muuka.

“What a pity,” said Master Harris.

“Indeed,” said Chief Researcher Muuka. “Although our conversation is short, I’ve grown to like you, human. Harris Mavis, was it? I shall remember the name. And I promise that upon your death, we shall not use your corpse for our experiments and research in the Red Tower.”

It was a magnanimous promise on the side of the Chief Researcher. If this old man turned out to be powerful, he was certain that his master, the Lord of the Red Tower, would covet his corpse. He was willing to let this human die a peaceful death since he’d grown a liking to him.

Although Chief Researcher Muuka hadn’t met other humans before, he was certain that not all of them were this selfless. The least he could do for this exceptional human was to grant him a peaceful death.

“I am grateful,” said Master Harris. He grabbed his staff and slowly started flying to the sky. “But I have no intention of dying without a fight.”

Now that negotiations had broken down, Master Harris decided to buy as much time as possible for the people of Meredith City. It wouldn’t be easy for the soldiers to evacuate everyone through the southern gate. Someone had to stall the demons here – and Master Harris decided to take on that role.

‘Adriel.’

Master Harris sent a powerful mental transmission to the Vice Master of the First Tower. Although the Vice Master was unable to respond since he wasn’t as skillful in transmission magic, Master Harris was certain that he could hear him.

‘Change of plans. Chaos and disorder are bound to ensue in the city. Do not bring the magicians here. Instead, mobilize the entire Tower and aid the soldiers in evacuating the citizens of Meredith. Prioritize the children. Make sure they escape safely.’

Master Harris paused. He uttered his final orders.

‘And should I fall, protect the city.’

Using the runes engraved on his staff, Master Harris shattered the giant mana stone on his left hand. The mana stone turned into shards, eventually turning into particles of light. The particles of light scattered and spread throughout Cattlewood Plains.

It was the only pinnacle-grade mana stone in the entire Empire. It was modified by the previous masters of the First Tower to react to the runes engraved on Master Harris’ staff. An heirloom that had been passed down through generations.

After living for seventy-five years, Master Harris finally felt the need to use it in this battle.

Master Harris felt the land absorb the vast amounts of mana from the pinnacle-grade mana stone. He could feel the land overflow with vitality. He could feel the blades of grass dancing in the wind, the bees touching the flower petals, the roots sucking water from the ground.

With the help of the mana that had permeated the land, Master Harris activated his strongest spells one after another.

Grand Scale Magic – Hands of the Mountain.

Grand Scale Magic – Grand Treant.

Grand Scale Magic – Grand Treant.

Grand Scale Magic – Grand Treant.

The ground quaked as two massive hands made of earth rose from the ground. Each was fifty meters large and overshadowed even the Fire Giant. At the same time, three forty-meters large trees started sprouting from the ground. Faces, which resembled humans in despair, were seen on their trunks. Golden leaves covered the treants, and their roots spanned over a hundred meters in length.

But Master Harris wasn’t done yet. With the help of the mana that had filled the land through the shattered pinnacle-grade mana stone, he activated more spells.

Grand Scale Magic – Mass Earth Golem Summon.

A hundred five-meters large stone golems started forming from the ground, one after another. Like trained soldiers, they formed a single, defensive line.

Grand Scale Magic – Mass Earth Golem Summon.

Grand Scale Magic – Mass Earth Golem Summon.

Grand Scale Magic – Mass Earth Golem Summon.

Master Harris repeated the spell several times, and his summoned golems eventually formed a long defensive line.

Thankfully, Chief Researcher Muuka simply watched in amusement as the old man completed his spells. The Chief Researcher seemed insistent on seeing the limit of the human who introduced himself to be the Master of the First Tower of Mages.

‘I’m almost at my limit.’

Master Harris huffed as he felt his body nearly drained of all mana. Under normal circumstances, despite his massive mana pool, it would have been impossible for him to perform all these spells. Thankfully, the heirloom passed down to the Master of the First Tower of Mages finally proved its worth. The pinnacle-grade mana stone had enriched the soil with mana, enabling Master Harris to muster his full potential in earth magic.

They were techniques that suited him, the so-called ‘Lord of the Forest’ the most.

“Splendid!” Chief Researcher Muuka clapped his hands twice in genuine admiration. “I’ve never expected a human so powerful to appear before me! Lord Azrath, what do you think?”

Azrath, who’d been silent until now, spoke, “He poses a threat to our army. We should immediately kill him.”

“Of course,” said Chief Researcher Muuka. “But I wonder… would we find someone as powerful as him after this? It almost feel like a waste to kill someone this talented.”

Chief Researcher Muuka spread both of his arms wide. He channeled mana into the portal – a signal they’d agreed beforehand. It was the signal for the start of the battle.

The portal glowed brighter, and several demons started coming out.

Fire Giants.

Wraiths.

Phantasms.

Lesser Demons.

Flesh Eaters.

Tormentors.

Sky Demons.

Parasitic Demons.

Demonic Trolls.

Demonic Ogres.

Twin-headed wyverns.

Seeing the variety and the seemingly endless number of demons pouring out of the portal, Master Harris stiffened. He instinctively looked back to the City of Meredith. Although he’d managed to summon hundreds of stone golems, he knew that they wouldn’t be enough to defeat this army.

“Master Harris, it’s been a pleasure meeting you!” said Chief Researcher Muuka.

Following those words, Chief Researcher gave the command to attack.

The sky demons flew toward Master Harris, but the Grand Treants below shot their golden leaves toward the sky, protecting their master from harm. The golden leaves infused with mana pierced the wings of the sky demons that tried to approach Master Harris. At the same time, those who’d managed to evade the golden leaves were swatted away by the long roots of the treants.

Master Harris flew lower, so the Grand Treants could protect him better.

The Fire Giant Moltus roared. It opened its mouth wide and breathed out a torrent of fire toward Master Harris. One of the gigantic earth hands moved in front of Master Harris, completely blocking the torrent of fire. The other earth hand formed a fist and shot toward the Fire Giant.

Moltus crossed his arms and received the earth fist head-on. To his surprise, the Hand of the Mountain blew him away in a single strike. The gigantic fist broke through Moltus’ defense and sent him flying and rolling on the ground several times. A trail of fire followed the body of the Fire Giant.

“Hahaha! This! Is! Amazing!” said Chief Researcher Muuka.

Who would have known that the first human he would meet in this realm would be this powerful?

How exhilarating!

Even Chief Researcher Muuka wasn’t capable of sending a Fire Giant flying in a single blow.

“Come out, my fellow demons! Kill the human and present that city as a gift to the Demon Lord!”

The demons that had entered the Human Realm roared. The hundreds of stone golems under the command of Master Harris charged toward them head-on. The Grand Treants summoned several smaller treants from the ground and ordered them to join the fight. Thousands of golden leaves infused with mana whizzed through the air and continued cutting down the demons. The two Hands of the Mountain continued striking down the Fire Giants.

It was an unbelievable sight.

A human was single-handedly stoppering the advance of a demon army.

Master Harris quickly surveyed the battlefield.

Although his stone golems were able to stop the demons in their tracks, he could see that they were slowly being pushed back. Despite being blown away by the Hands of the Mountain, Master Harris noticed that the Fire Giants were hardly taking any damage.

It was currently a stalemate, but it wouldn’t take long before his enemies break through this line of defense. The number of demons entering through the portal was increasing even now, and there were no signs of them stopping any time soon.

Master Harris gnashed his teeth.

“At the very least, I’ll take their leader down with me.”

Master Harris waved his staff, and all of the stone golems immediately turned their attention to Chief Researcher Muuka. The Hands of the Mountain and the roots of the Grand Treants shot toward the Chief Researcher.

Master Harris wanted to immediately kill the leader of the demons with this move, but to his dismay, the massive metallic snake who’d been idling until now coiled around the Chief Researcher and protected him with its body.

“Hisss!”

The metallic snake hissed in pain. The parts of its body that weren’t covered by scales were struck by the Hands of the Mountain and the roots of the Grand Treants. Still, it refused to uncoil its body and continued protecting the Chief Researcher.

The eyes of the metallic snake glowed, and it shrieked.

An ear-splitting sound swept through the Cattlewood Plains and struck Master Harris.

“Sound Magic!”

Master Harris hadn’t expected that the metallic snake was capable of such a spell. Caught off-guard, Master Harris staggered in the sky. His head ached, as though it was being split into two. His vision blurred as blood started dripping down his nose.

The sky demons didn’t miss this opening. They flapped their wings and shot toward Master Harris at a frightening speed. Now that their master had been stunned by the sound spell, the Grand Treants weren’t able to move in time to protect him. Even the Hands of the Mountain froze for several seconds.

“Ugh!”

Master Harris tried to cast a simple mana barrier to protect himself.

But it was too late.

One of the sky demons managed to bite a large chunk of his left shoulder. The pain rendered Master Harris immobile, and using this split-second opening, the same sky demon swerved and swiped its claws at his neck, successfully hitting it. Blood spurted out of the old man’s neck.

Unable to maintain his spells any longer, Master Harris slowly fell from the sky. With his remaining strength, he looked in the direction of the city.

‘The… children.’

He remembered the children in the orphanage. He hoped that by now, they’d managed to evacuate.

The other sky demons flew toward him and started biting and clawing at his body.

‘Adriel, I believe in you. Please let at least the children escape to safety.’

Master Harris’ body was torn into shreds midair. Dozens of sky demons used this opportunity to bite and claw at his body. By the time he reached the ground, the old man’s corpse was no longer recognizable.

The stone golems, the Hands of the Mountain, and the Grand Treants stopped moving altogether.

“Burn his body.” Chief Researcher Muuka kept his promise. It was his way of preventing the other members of the Red Tower from performing experiments on the old man’s corpse. “And that city.”

Chief Researcher Muuka pointed at the walled city from a distance.

“We shall offer it as a present to the Demon Lord Barkuvara.”