Four Saints Calendar Year 630, September.
The capital of the Rudain Federation—the neighboring country separated from Kyokuto by the sea—was enveloped in frenzy.
It was because the Great Labyrinth of the East had been conquered.
The ceremony celebrating that great achievement was both solemn and magnificent, and the crowds filling the square did not hold back their cheers.
The ceremony proceeded without a hitch, and finally, Federal Chairman Gunnar's speech began.
Standing on the platform, he expressed deep respect for the five young explorers who had accomplished the conquest of the Great Labyrinth—one of humanity's highest priorities.
—All five were boys and girls who had only just reached adulthood at fifteen years old.
The birth of a new legend drew thunderous applause from the people.
Next, Gunnar touched on the world situation.
He declared that the Rudain Federation, having conquered the Great Labyrinth of the East, should support the Kingdom of Nohitant to the south and the Republic of Junoé to the north, which now faced their own targets.
Conquering the Great Labyrinths was a shared challenge for all humanity, and nations must join forces across borders—he proclaimed this loudly.
But then he raised his voice even further.
"…However, a threat comparable to the Great Labyrinths is sprouting right beside us!"
The crowd stirred.
The Chairman paused for emphasis and spoke gravely.
"Our neighbor, Kyokuto—has fallen into the hands of the "Demon King"."
At those words, the square erupted in commotion.
The people had heard rumors to some extent.
In fact, restrictions had already been placed on sea routes between the Federation and Kyokuto for the past several days.
Now that the nation's highest authority had spoken it aloud, the situation suddenly felt real.
A neighboring country had been taken over by the "Demon King"—many faces clouded over as they perceived it as a threat.
"According to our information, the "Demon King" Orun released pitch-black monsters within Kyokuto and seized control of the country through military force. If that is the case, who will save our long-time friendly nation? —It is us, the Rudain Federation!"
The square responded to his voice with a roaring wave of cheers.
The frenzy swelled even further, deeply engraving the righteous cause of "Kyokuto's liberation" into the hearts of the citizens.
---
Several days later.
In the parliament as well, Gunnar's speech proved to be a strong tailwind.
Under the banner of "saving a friendly nation," the Rudain Federation officially approved the dispatch of military forces to Kyokuto.
—However, this was a truth distorted by malice.
Chairman Gunnar—whose true identity was the demon serving the evil god known as [Cyclamen Cult: Second Seat]"Thunder Emperor".
That was why he knew the truth.
It was not the "Demon King" Orun who had thrown Kyokuto into chaos, but [Cyclamen Cult: First Seat]"The Guide" Philly.
Even so, he concealed the truth and used a fabricated righteous cause to align the interests of the demon Gunnar with those of the Federation.