Intersected Checkmate
Velda surveyed the situation of the war in various places expressionlessly.
The results are unsatisfactory.
Or rather, it was so disastrous that it may be said to be a total defeat.
In the battle in Milimâs territory, the angels are being expelled as Vega was defeated.
Although it was a large army numbered 200.000 angels, it was a disastrous scene as there were only 10.000 or so remaining as the result of being absorbed by Vega or annihilated by Karion.
Overwhelmed to the point of annihilated.
Victory on this battlefield couldnât be expected anymore.
Looking at âEl Doradoâ, the place ruled by Leon, the stalemate continues as thereâs no one commanding the angels and the city barrier canât be broken.
Although he couldnât see the situation inside the isolated castle by a barrier which disconnected it from the space, Velda knew that Kagali was already defeated.
He gaveãEvil Dragon Lord Azi Dahakaãto Kagaliâs subordinate called Footman, but it would aim both sides that are inside the place.
The fact that the barrier remains standing means the fight still continues...... but Velda felt an uncomfortable feeling.
The decisive one was Dagruelâs defeat who attacking Holy Empire Ruberios where Ruminas lives in hiding.
Dagruel who is the strongest among the Four Fiends of Heavenly Commanders, his defeat as one who boasts combat capability next to him is something that Velda couldnât ignore.
The giants of the Chain of Restrain Titan army seemed to stop moving and accept defeat.
(It canât be, for Veldora to win against Dagruel......
Even when I check the combat data with Velgrind, I canât find any winning factorsââï¼
Itâs vexing, but it was outside his imagination that Veldora won against Dagruel.
ãIâm very sorry. In my calculation, for the Four Fiends of Heavenly Commanders, thatâs Vega, Kagali and even Dagruel to be defeated isââã
Velda raises his hand to stop Lucia who starts apologizing.
ãOh well. Even in my calculation too, Dagruelâs defeat was not expected.
The question is how to do the next move.ã
Dino whoâs attacking Demon Lord Rimuruâs headquarters is still alive.
Most of the war potentials were concentrated on this place, but it was because Dino is the one with the most passive combat capability.
As for Milimâs territory, thereâs no problem to leave it alone.
Because Demon Lord Milim who was the most important issue had been obtained.
He can ignore Leonâs âEl Doradoâ too.
As for the reason of the attack in the first place was because he allowed Kazarimâs selfishness who showed an obsession towards Leon, it doesnât mean that itâs an important place.
As for protecting the Heaven Gate and also cutting the source of the peopleâs faith, it was important to destroy Holy Empire Ruberios......
The hope of the Western Countriesâ people was lost by telling them the annihilation of Demon Lord Rimuru.
In addition to this, if he destroys the headquarters of the Western Holy Church, the people who are resisting would give up in despair.
But ââ
(The presences of Veldora and resistance forces in various places keep giving hop to the people.)
That was Veldaâs analysis
Even for the Holy Church, itâs only one of them.
It seems that the network between the countries is beyond what he imagined and canât be looked down.
Velda felt ironic as it was Kagurazaka Yuuki, his host, who created the organization specialized even in information transmission, thatâs Freedom Association.
(It wonât be interesting if itâs not like this. Everything would end immediately once I go out, letâs have them resist as much as they want.)
It was more fun than he thought, Velda was satisfied. Next, âWell then, what would they do?â he thought.
In front of him is Lucia.
On her right side is Milim.
Kneeling down below him were the last two of the Executioners, Zero and Mai.
They are his remaining war potentials.
He intends to defeat every one of the Demon Lords and in reverse blame it on Demon Lord Rimuruâs subordinates.
In territorial strategy, it could be said to be his complete defeat. However, the enemyâs âKingâ that is Demon Lord Rimuru has already been destroyed.
Thereâs no need to panic so Velda thought.
Above everything else, his true and important goal is to defeat Guy Crimson and Chloe OâBell who have the possibility to be equal to him.
In fact, if he destroys the strongest people in this world, it would be easy to purge the remaining forces.
Currently, Guy is fighting against Chloe. Also, Velgrind is fighting against Velzard.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
Chloe would be free once she defeats Guy, but she wouldnât be able to point her sword at Velda due to the restriction. However, just in case, he ought to kill her together with Guy.
As long those two perish, it might be possible to persuade Velgrind.
Thinking so, Velda makes Lucia states her opinion.
ãItâs about time for Demon Lord Guy Crimson and even the True Hero Chloe OâBell to be exhausted.
We should send all of our war potential and kill both of them.ã
Lucia answered so without hesitation.
Satisfied with her answer, Velda stands up.
ãGood! Then, I will give new power to Zero. With this, go to Guyâs placeââã
Before he finishes talking, Velda stopped moving.
(Wait...... isnât they are too easy to be read?
The calculation derived by Lucia is also worrisome as everything ended up with failure.
ââAlthough Demon Lord Rimuru was killed, why thereâs no hesitation in that guyâs subordinatesâ movement?
Also, Veldoraâs action is......
No way, heâs still alive?
If thatâs the case, he knew that Iâll be aiming at Guy and the other.
Then...... what I should target at, is Tempest?)
Itâs completely unexpected from Lucia who is the strongest Manas.
Although she doesnât possess Ultimate SkillãWisdom Lord Raphaelã, Luciaâs intellect is very high.
And yet, the result was too unnatural.
ãA change of plan. Attack the Monster Country Tempest. Zero, assemble all remaining troops and join Dino.
Iâll give you this, Ultimate SkillãEvil Dragon Lord Azi Dahakaã, itâs almost approaching its completion, accumulated more combat experience.
Master it. Even RamirisâãLabyrinth Creationãcan be broken if you use it.
Go! Trample that place and realize the birth of the new worlddestruction of this world!ã
ãAs your will!ã
Receiving Veldaâs command, Zero stoop up and went away.
Mai too follows Zero and left the place.
Only Lucia and Milim remain.
Velda calmly sat on his throne and laughed a little.
(If Demon Lord Rimuru is alive, thereâs no way he wonât move when Ramiris is in danger.
He will guess that I was going to aim for Guy and ChloeRook and Bishop, but heâs wrong.
Instead, Iâll lure him out and get the checkmate in one go.)
Velda was convinced that Rimuru had survived.
However, as he didnât show himself, Velda predicted that he might not in perfect condition.
Or maybe, he thought that Velda will move in order to end both Guy and Chloe and awaiting the opportunity to strike at such opening?
Either way, Velda has seen his plan.
(As long Iâm in this Sky Castle, I wonât lose. On the contrary, Iâll lure Rimuru out and put an end to him.)
That was Veldaâs thought.
ãItâs a checkmate, Rimuru! Well, how will you move next?ã
The Sky Castle with only Lucia and Milim left was filled with emptiness.
In this place, Veldaâs laughter echoed a bit.
His laughter became a small signal announcing the war entered its final phase.
ââââââââââââââââââââââââââ
Too damn strongã¼ã¼ã¼ã¼ã¼!!
That Giant Ossan is so absurdly strong!!
I didnât think that Dagruel has so much power and Iâd see Veldora-san fighting with full power.
ãKufufufufu, as expected from Veldora-sama. Even I wouldnât be able to win against Demon Lord Dagruel with my body intact.ã
Iâm nodding in admiration as Diablo has the same opinion as me.
As I can feel his confidence from his words, I donât think that he would lose one-sidedly.
However, for him competing against Veldora in strength is abnormal in the first place. Dagruel is too strong.
I didnât notice anything that indicated Dagruel would be this strong when I met him before.
Even in the fight just now, Veldora would have lost if he made a mistake.
ãIndeed. Without the combat experience from fighting Velgrind, Veldora might have been defeated.ã
Ciel-sensei calmly said so, but she seems have not doubted that Veldora would win.
She was probably confident as Veldoraâs ability was strengthened by her own hands.
Oh well, that confidence is justified.
Veldroraâs Fertile Paradox has transformed the barren desert into a great forest.
Didnât he strengthen it too much?
It was refreshing seeing his usual magic experiment.
This ability is too haphazard.
Sacrificing the angel army who was attacking Ruminasâ capital, the land which was poured with excessive energy has splendidly revived.
Absurdly, it seems the angels were not allowed to resist it.
The probability of success was manipulated and it seemed that resisting became impossible.
Indeed, so Veldora-like. What a terrifying guy.
ãKuaahaaahahaa! Actually, I used the magic essence completely! I want a refill.ã
Although if he didnât come back and then demanding like this, I would think that he was such an amazing guy......
I let out a sigh like saying âGood griefâ, and began transferring my energy to Veldora.
ãHey, the other thing is fine, but Velda wonât know this place right?ã
ãOf course. Do I look like someone who will make such blunder?ã
Veldora-san is so confident.
Itâs visible when I asked him, oh well. Letâs think about it when we get exposed.
Besides, Veldora-sanâs activity this time is a wonderful work worthy of praise.
He restored the out of order ley line and corrected the distortion of that land.
Thanks to that, there are more cards that this side could play.
He also acted skillfully not to raise Veldaâs suspicion.
Therefore, I thought that I will let him taking a large amount of magic essence from me.
Well then, it can be said that the war has completed its first stage.
In Milimâs place, the army lead by Karion had exterminated the angels.
Gobuta was participating in the meeting in Tempest, but it seems that he return back and cooperates with Karion again.
There seems to be some injured soldier from Gobutaâs subordinate, but they recover immediately as a large amount of High Potion seems to be prepared beforehand.
This place will be fine I guess.
Even in Leonâs âEl Doradoâ, it was a real victory.
While maintaining the barrier, orders were issued on the battlefield.
Thereâs no problem in here either.
With this, victory in various places except in Tempest is confirmed.
However, Cielâs strategy is amazing......
What Iâm really anxious about is just Gobutaâs fight.
But, there was insurance even for that fight. Because it included the cleaning up afterward as the Devil Lords defeated the Seraphim.
In the worst case, Diablo would go and support them, but I just worried too much.
As for the reinforcement request coming from Mizari, there would be danger for anyone who went there.
However,
ãBenimaru is the one who go there. Because Kazarim is related to Gelmudoâs matter.ã
Ciel said so, asserting that there was no need for me to issue orders.
There were various things that make me want to go, but it can be said that everything is going as Cielâs prediction.
From the moment of predicting Dagruelâs betrayal, she prepared Veldora to be lurking in preparation just in case of the worst.
If Veldora didnât wait for his turn, Shion and the others might not have a hard fight though......
I suspected that this might be a part of Cielâs strategy so Shion would show some growth.
Well, I donât think that itâs like that.
Although I was the one who sent Masayuki to various places, it might be just a coincidence that he happened to be there when Hinata facing her crisis.
But, it seems it was Cielâs intention for the children to go to Ingrassia Kingdom. Itâs not surprising as Ciel knows Aliceâs Crisis Perception ability and incorporated it into her strategy.
The proof was Kumara going together with the children as their bodyguard.
What caught my eyes next is Masayuki.
That guyâs grasp over peopleâs hearts seemed to be strengthened to a level that canât be taken lightly.
I sincerely thought that Iâm glad Masayuki is my ally.
However, he helped to wipe out peopleâs anxiety in various places.
The result is beyond what I intended.
Regarding Masayuki, Ciel didnât modify his ability, but taking a memo of the acting coaching is Cielâs idea.
As expected, Ciel had a part even in this matter too.
Seen in this light, itâs terrifying because I see everything is playing right above Cielâs palm.
Oh well, itâs convenient for me as I want to end this war quickly.
For Velda, I give you my condolences.
There was nothing to say other than he has a bad opponent.
Well now, how will he play his move next?
ãWell, the battle in various places has ended with our victory, but how do you think Velda will move next?
I donât think that he will give up in destroying the world, where will be his target next?ã
ãThatâs, it will be the place where Guy, Miss Chloe, Veldora-samaâs sisters are fighting right?ã
When I ask him, Diablo answered so.
Yes, the same opinion as me.
Initially, my reason for neglecting the battle in that place is to lure out Velda.
Then, we also moved and waiting for Veldaâs arrival or so I thought at first.
ãPlease wait. Currently, everything is advancing just as planned. As a result, I anticipated a change in enemyâs thought.
Velda has doubted masterâs annihilation and convinced that master is alive.
In other words, Veldaâs next plan is attacking this city.ã
Ciel stated her opinion.
I see, as expected he would feel suspicious.
Because even though I should have âdiedâ, my subordinates are still playing an active part in this war.
If you thinking about this, even I will feel something is suspicious too. Oh well, it would be weird if you donât feel anything suspicious about it.
To predict that it would be like this...... As expected from Ciel-san.
Normally, if Iâm the one who came up with the idea and executing it, the differences would be like heaven and earth......
ãThen, Velda is aiming at Tempest right?ã
ãThatâs certain.ã
ãAnd, his aim is to lure out me who panicked?ã
ãThatâs right. And perhaps, he will send his strongest forces including even anti-labyrinth.ã
Anti-Labyrinth ability?
That seems impossible.
That labyrinth is an invincible area, granted with absolute immortality by Ramiris.
As long as we fighting inside it, thereâs no way we will lose.
As for the method of capturing the labyrinth, thereâs no other way than to destroy the creator thatâs Ramiris.
ãNo. If it spreads it roots in the labyrinth, itâs possible to rewrite the effect. In other wordsââã
Ah, thatâs right.
Hearing Cielâs explanation, I understood.
Certainly, it may be possible to nullify the labyrinth with such method.
If that comes true, itâs likely that the final decisive battle will be done inside the labyrinth.
I immediately thought about the countermeasures, also I told Benimaru who returned to Tempest about it.
I want to believe that those present there, Ramiris included, will be able to deal with it later.
And then, I converse with Ciel.
ãThen, it would be impossible to lure out Velda, right?ã
ãYes, I expected so. Conversely, you could say that we succeeded in confining him.ã
Exactly as Ciel said, it can be said that Velda shut himself inside the Sky Castle.
Up until now, the location of the Heaven Gate was unknown.
Or rather, due to the raging magic essences in that area, ãMagic Power Perceptionãcanât be activated smoothly.
For a long time ago until now, the Heaven Gate has been hidden.
However, with Dagruel who is the Gate protector defeated, the disorder of the magic essence was corrected.
What left is only the defense mechanism of the Gate itself......
If it was before, if you aim at the gate, Velda would immediately guess your intention.
And then, before you break the power defending the gate, he would put some countermeasures.
But, right now.
Because of Veldoraâs great efforts, the gate has become exposed.
It would be too late for Velda when he realizes our intention as we quickly destroyed the gate and get the checkmate.
An eye for an eye.
As Velda is going to attack my city in order to lure me out, on the contrary, he would also get invaded.
Now that we have shaved off Veldaâs forces, we donât need to defend all of our bases.
Far from hoping for the destruction of the world, he better realize that it was a foolish idea to send his forces gradually to various place.
For the next turn, it would be an attack from our side.
I shall teach him that itâs a mistake if he thinks that it will be his turn forever.
ãTestarossa, Ultima, Carrerraââã
By calling my summons, I connected to the three Devil Lords withãTelepathyã.
Itâs a secret line made by going directly through âSoul Corridorâ.
ãThis is, Rimuru-sama! Youâre safe after allââã
Testarossa answered filled with emotion.
I nodded and ordered those three.
ãYou three, go destroy the Heaven Gate. Furthermore, conceal the fact that Iâm alive, oke?ã
ãEven though you said so, everyone is convinced that Rimuru-sama is alive......ã
ãI have asked Benimaru about it, but oh well, just in case. Itâs not the time for me to appear yet, so donât say itâs an order from me. Even if you are asked by other people, itâs fine if you refuse and donât say my name.ã
ãPlease rest assured in that case. Because itâs only Rimuru-sama who could order us!ã
Saying so, Testarossa and co laugh happily.
Come to think about it, those three are under my direct control.
Because they wonât receive an order from other people, I guess Iâm thinking too much.
As for Benimaru, it was too late as he knows Iâm alive.
While I was thinking of such things to hide my own embarrassment, Testarossa and other seem to have finished their preparation.
And in order to execute my order to destroy the Heaven Gate, they began moving with glee.
Next, the remaining problem isââ
There are people who are fighting and causing unnecessary environmental destruction on the northern continent.
ãWell, itâs meaningless for Guy and the others to keep fighting. I think someone has to go and mediate between them.ã
At the moment I said so.
ãOops, Diaââã
ãI have the important duty as Rimuru-samaâs guard. This place aside, oh Veldora-sama, please go and admonish your sisters!ã
The victor is Diablo
Veldora tried to push that role to Diablo but was brilliantly ignored.
It was his utter defeat.
Thus, it was decided that Veldora would go and arbitrate the quarrel between his sisters.
Veldoraâs expression was overflowing with sadness, but as he had taken a large amount magic essence from me, thereâs no need for me to feel any sympathy for him.
I want him to try his best.