{Ashfall-sama, I have urgent news: the Argland Council State has prepared an attack with a large army from the north-western border of the empire.}
Upon hearing this news from Nigredo early in the morning, I literally jumped out of bed. After quickly composing myself, I asked the most important question:
{Nigredo, what do you know about the enemy army? Can you buy us some time to assemble the Imperial army using the forces at the border?}
{Ashfall-sama, according to the information I obtained through my intelligence spells, they have over two hundred thousand soldiers, most of whom are half-humans. But the most striking thing about the army is the five huge dragons in the rear ranks.}
This news was somewhat unexpected. So the Platinum Dragon Lord has finally managed to get the other council members to take action. We must act immediately against this dangerous threat.
{All Nazarik guards, abandon all assigned duties and beam your units to the border city of E-Asenaru. This is the highest priority mission.}
"Ashfall-sama, is there a problem? May I ask the reason for your panic?"
When I turned towards the source of the voice, I saw Draudillon's astonished face. She got out of bed, came towards me, hugged me tightly, and began kissing my face. She assumed this would calm me down.
"Draudillon, I must return to my country now due to the Argland Council State's attack. I will transfer the angel army, except for the Carebium Gatekeepers, to you, and I will assign someone to assist you in the war against the demi-humans."
After finishing my words, I kissed Draudillon on the lips and teleported to E-Asenaru City with Alpha and Beta. I was certain Draudillon would save his country. She was one of the most intelligent figures in the new world, and victory was assured with the army I had granted her.
***************
Although not as large as Re-Estize City, E-Asenaru City was the first major settlement beyond the border mountains. Fulmenreich's armies, emerging one by one from the portals, had begun setting up camp outside the city. Although being brought here urgently surprised them, these battle-hardened soldiers quickly adapted to the situation. The city duke's mansion had been chosen as the operational headquarters, and the Nazarik guards were gathering there.
Without wasting any time, Beta and Alpha and I went up to the upper floor of the mansion. When I entered through the door, all of Nazarik's important residents, from Victim to Nigredo, were gathered around a huge table.
"We salute the great leader of Nazarik!" They all stood up from the table and announced in unison.
After gesturing for them to sit, I took my place on the throne that had been brought for me. I began issuing orders to the Nazarik guards, who waited silently and eagerly for my words:
"First and foremost, the most important thing you need to know about this battle is that the dragon lords can use [Wild Magic]. Therefore, I will give each of you a [World Item]. You will also use the Supreme's equipment for this battle. So fight hard and do not disappoint Nazarik."
After my words, everyone behind the table's eyes lit up. Being allowed to use their creator's items was already the most sacred thing for them.
Then I turned my attention to Nigredo: although she was originally planned to be created with a torn face, thanks to my "advice," she was created with a beautiful face. With her large, bright eyes, she now resembled a sweet Samara.
"Nigredo, I am giving you an important task: keep your attention on the battlefield at all times and report anything strange to me. You must cast debuff spells on the enemy army just before the battle begins."
"I am ready to give my life if necessary, Ashfall-sama," Nigredo said, her blue eyes shining with enthusiasm.
"Now, regarding the army... it will take some time for our entire army to assemble and be ready for battle. We must also present the battle plan to the commanders.
Until the army is fully prepared, we must slow down the enemy. To do this, you will attack the enemy using hit-and-run tactics. Remember, do not engage in battle with any dragon lords, and use your teleportation rings to escape. Use destructive long-range spells to eliminate the enemy's mages in the rear. Demiurge, I am entrusting the command of the army to you."
Demiurge rose from the table first, bowing courteously as he eagerly began to speak:
"It is an honour for me to command this great battle, my lord. Ashfall-sama, I also caused discord among the Demi-human leaders fighting against the Dragon Kingdom before coming here. They'll tear themselves apart while we're gone." Demiurge adjusted his glasses with a devilish grin.
I was actually considering assigning someone to the Dragon Kingdom, but Demiurge beat me to it with this brilliant plan. I've always been glad to have a genius on my side capable of conquering the New World in about two years, as in the original series.
"As I have always trusted your intellect, you never cease to amaze me, Demiurge. I know I can entrust the army to you without hesitation." After applauding and congratulating Demiurge, I continued:
But I don't want too many of the empire's soldiers to die in battle, so we must deploy the expendable [Summoned Creatures] on the front line. Hold nothing back and destroy the enemy with all your might. Especially you, Pandoras Actor... I want you to fight at your full potential by transforming into me."
"Ashfall-sama, I have a request... Would you grant me the honour of fighting a dragon lord alone?" Cocytus asked excitedly, steam puffing from his nostrils.
The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. I could feel Cocytus' warrior spirit boiling with excitement right now.
"You are free to do as you wish, Cocytus. I hope the dragon lords prove to be worthy opponents."
After Cocytus sat down, I continued speaking:
"Albedo, make preparations to evacuate the citizens of this city. Hire adventurers for this task. That's the general outline of our battle strategy; I'll leave the rest to Demiurge. Now, let's gather the necessary items."
After finishing my words, I opened a portal to the treasure room. The magnificent items lined along the walls of the large room were enough to astonish all the NPCs.
*************
After selecting the items, we left the treasure chamber and beamed back to the city. Forces from all corners of the empire had now gathered around E-Asenaru. Thirty thousand regular troops from the Baharuth Empire, the Four Imperial Knights, Fluder and his elite students, a small but disciplined unit sent from the province of Roble, and two hundred thousand Quagoa in battle formation had assembled.
The gathered force was impressive in terms of numbers; however, the real question was how well these forces could operate in unison. Although, I don't think this will be much of a problem in the face of Demiurge's superior intellect.
Meanwhile, Albedo approached me, organising the reports in his hands:
"Ashfall-sama," he said in a calm but serious voice,
"No units from the Elf province will participate in this war. To be frank, the army still does not trust them. Furthermore, the adventurers are also quite cautious about the call. Most don't want to throw themselves into the middle of a political conflict."
"I wasn't planning on sending the adventurers to the front lines anyway," I replied.
"I called them not to fight, but to evacuate the people in the border region. This task shouldn't waste the army's time and strength unnecessarily. Anyway, perhaps I can convince them as Felix. I'm sure Blue Rose will agree with me. With their support, I can use the other adventurers for my plan." After finishing my words, I donned my armour and teleported to the city of Re-Estize.
The city was still unaware of the approaching storm. People were going about their daily lives in the streets. However, the front of the Adventurers' Guild was complete chaos. The rising voices and heavy smell of beer were noticeable even before I entered the door.
When I stepped inside, the noise stopped abruptly. The arguing adventurers must have recognised me, as all eyes turned to me at once.
"Felix-sama, please come here," Gargaran raised his beer and gestured to where they were sitting.
I ordered a beer from the waiter and moved to the table at the edge where all the members of the Blue Rose group were gathered. Evile and Lakyus moved aside for me and cheerfully invited me to sit in the middle.
"Good day, Felix-sama. I'm sure you came here because of the news of the war. How is Nabe-san? Why didn't he come?"
"As you guessed, Lakyus, I came to discuss the Emperor's summons with you. I sent Nabe to the border region to gather information for us."
Tina pointed to the noise still coming from outside.
"The adventurers are divided over this summons. It's understandable that they don't want to get involved in a large-scale war."
"The Argland Council State was one of the world's two superpowers before the Fulmenreich Empire emerged. Of course, the other was the Slane Theocracy, but since it no longer exists, it's not worth talking about. In terms of military power, we know the Fulmenreich Empire was very strong, but since the Argland Council State is a closed country, we don't have much information about it." Lakyus presented the political issue to us in his usual manner.
"Remember, Emperor Ashfall-sama voluntarily invited the adventurers to the city of E-Asenaru and did not give them the task of joining the war. And the letter sent to the leader of the adventurers' guild stated that no adventurer would participate directly in the war, only that they must evacuate and protect the people from indirect threats." Gargaran spoke, taking a sip of his beer.
"Actually, this job is quite profitable. Not only is the reward good, but you're helping the people from the rear without getting involved in the war. It's far better than putting yourself in danger against a monster. So my suggestion is to convince the adventurers to take this job. Can we do that?"
"Hmmm... You're right in many ways, actually. If the two most popular Adamantite-level adventurer groups accept this job, it might spark interest among other adventurers." He said, leaning against me.
"Then it's settled. Gather the adventurers you can convince within half an hour, then we'll beam to E-Asenaru City with them. I'll leave it to you to convince the adventurers." I got up from the table and headed to reception to accept the mission.
"Hey Tina, I think (Devil Boss) has given us the most difficult part of the job," Tia's sad voice was heard from behind.
***************
After officially accepting the mission at the reception, I went outside again. The adventurers with platinum and mithril plates stopped their heated discussions when they saw me coming.
"Good day, Felix-san," they greeted me respectfully in unison.
"Good day," I replied.
"I assume the topic of your discussion is the Emperor's call."
"Yes," said one of them.
"We are undecided on what to do. We would like to hear your opinion."
"I accepted the mission the moment it was announced. Because the mission did not specify participating in battle, only protecting the people was specifically requested. An adventurer's most important priority is to protect the people from the threat of monsters, while earning their keep. During this war, evacuating and protecting the people for their safety should be the priority for adventurers. And in return, they are offering a very attractive reward."
At my words, the adventurers looked at each other and nodded in agreement. They all went inside and accepted the task at reception. After several minutes of chatting, we teleported to the city of E-Asenaru in a total of eight groups.
*************
The first to greet us were Albedo, Nabe, and the Pandoras Actor transformed to Ashfall. We all knelt before the Emperor. Albedo began recording all our names on the document in her hand.
" Mighty warriors of our nation, I offer my thanks for accepting this mission. Esteemed adventurers of the Darkness and Blue Rose groups, I am glad to see you again. Your presence has dispelled all my doubts about this mission."
The officials beside Albedo offered us all an advance payment for the mission reward. All the other adventurers took their money and headed into the city. Blue Rose, Nabe, and I were given our money last. We received more money because we were of a higher level than the others. At that moment, the sound of several horses approaching at speed was heard. Turning towards the sound, I saw Calca, clad in armour, eagerly riding towards us on a white horse. I immediately recognised Pabel and Neia among the guards beside her.
Calca dismounted and hurriedly ran towards Ashfall (Pandoras Actor), hugging him tightly.
"Good day, Ashfall-sama, how are you? I missed you. I wish all these wars separating us would end. Won't going to this war right after the Dragon Kingdom war tire you? Please take care of yourself; I worry about you."
Calca hugged Pandoras Actor with joy and longing, rubbing her face against his chest. Thankfully, there was no one around except Blue Rose and Calca's guards. Frankly, this scene made me quite jealous. I wish I had assigned Pandoras Actor to convince the adventurers.
On the other hand, Pandoras Actor froze at this sudden intimacy. His eyes shifted between Calca and me, unsure of what to do.
Calca suddenly pulled back. The soft expression on her face gave way to suspicion.
"Ashfall-sama... why are you so distant with me?"
Her voice trembled with sadness.
"Or... aren't you happy to see me?"
"N-no... that's not it, Miss Calca..." Pandoras Actor tried to explain.
"Miss... Calca?"
Calca's face changed instantly. She took a step back.
"No..." she said slowly.
"You... you're not Ashfall-sama." She drew her sword in an instant and pointed it at Pandoras Actor.
"Whhhaaat" We were all shocked by this turn of events and all eyes turned to Pandoras Actor. But the reason for my and Albedo's astonishment was that Calca had recognised Pandoras Actor.
"Calca, do you realise what you're saying?" Pandoras Actor made one last attempt and embraced Calca.
"Get your hands off me, don't touch me. Your touch and your gaze lack Ashfall-sama's love and warmth. Who are you?!"
Calca was clearly angry. Her eyes glowed like gold, and semi-transparent golden wings appeared from her back.
"I am Ashfall Nig...."
"That's enough, Pandoras Actor. The more you talk, the deeper you sink." It was time to stop this before it escalated further.
"Wenn es meines Gottes Wille ist," (it means "If it is my God's will.) "I am deeply sorry, Ashfall-sama. I failed in my duty and revealed a very important secret. Therefore, I am prepared to accept my punishment."
"Ashfall-sama?!!" This time, everyone's attention turned to me.
Normally, it would have made more sense to erase everyone's memories of this incident. But I didn't choose to do that. When I took off my helmet, everyone's eyes widened in shock.
"So we've been speaking with Ashfall-sama all along, hunting monsters, saving the city of Re-Estize, and..." Evileye blushed and tried to comprehend the situation in astonishment.
"So that's why most of the time suddenly disappeared and we couldn't reach him." Lakyus confirmed another important clue.
"Hey, if that's the case, then who is this guy?" Gargaran pointed at Pandoras Actor.
"Ahem... I am Pandoras Actor, one of the floor guardians of the glorious Nazarik." Pandoras Actor transformed into his true form and proudly introduced himself.
"So Ashfall-sama is also Felix-sama..." Calca calmed down, her face filled with joy as she began to hug me.
"Frankly, I'm surprised you recognised Pandoras Actor, my beautiful angel." I kissed Calca on the forehead and began to stroke her flowing blonde hair.
"That warmth of yours that quickens my heart and warms my soul is absent in him." Calca placed my hand over her wildly beating heart and began kissing my face incessantly.
I could tell from their jealous glances that Evileye, Lakyus and Albedo were not happy with this scene. After the battle, I would have to speak with each of them privately.
"If Pandoras Actor-sama lives in a place called Nazarik, and Ashfall-sama, you are his master, then does that mean Ashfall-sama is the king of that place? If Ashfall-sama is the king of that place, then does that mean Nazarik is heaven?" Neia jumped up as if delighted to have learned new information about me.
"The Abyss of Nazarik, which is the guild headquarters of the [Whisperers of Chaos], the most powerful guild in Yggdrasil, is a special castle created by the forty Supremes. Ashfall-sama, the strongest and last of the Supremes, is also the leader of the guild." Albedo gave a little more information about Nazarik. The praise about Nazarik made her proud.
"Yggdrasil?! I think I've heard of that somewhere," Evileye thought deeply, and suddenly it was as if a light bulb went off in her head.
"Of course, Yggdrasil—the place where the Eight Greed Kings and the Six Gods came from. Ashfall-sama, do you know them?" Evileye's words frightened the others a little.
"You guessed right, Evileye, we came from there. But there's no need to be afraid. Even though we came from the same place, I don't know the Eight Greed Kings and the Six Gods. Most likely, they weren't that powerful, otherwise I would recognize them. Even though I've examined the items I acquired from their inheritance, I couldn't find anything about their identities."
"Weren't they very powerful?!" Evileye looked at me in shock and disbelief.
"They are legends who changed the course of the world, achieved incredible feats, massacres, conquests. And you call them 'Not That Powerful'!!!" Evile shouted in astonishment.
"Hey, vampire trash, you can't compare those scumbags to the magnificent Nazarik and Ashfall-sama. Ashfall-sama is a perfect warrior, leader, and god who has defeated the [World Enemy] twice." Albedo angrily silenced Evileye. It was as if she was ready to kill Evileye with her gaze alone.
Evileye's manner of address and his doubt about Nazarik's power had angered her, but her angry speech had revealed Evileye's greatest secret: that she was a vampire.