The eyes that appeared in the skies closed and faded, but the darkness and mist did not disperse.
The closing of those eyes signified that Iris’ gaze had vanished, yet Eugene continued to stare into the distant obscurity.
It wasn't just the space before him that was veiled in shadows, but beyond the barrier and trailing the fleet, darkness blanketed the sea and skies like a curtain separating worlds.
With Iris becoming the Demon King, this place had been essentially transformed into a Devildom. In other words, the shadow-covered sea and skies, everything the darkness touched, was a part of Iris’ Devildom.
— You cannot escape from this sea.
Iris had said this mockingly just before disappearing. The Demon King had decreed it so. Escaping from the Devildom would require immense effort, and slipping away unscathed would be an impossible feat.
"Escape?" Eugene murmured once more, a twisted smile still curling his lips. The thought of fleeing seemed absurd to him, a misstep in this game of power. Regardless of how it had come to pass, Iris had become the Demon King. This was a reality he couldn’t change. He wasn't sure what she was talking about when she mentioned her father’s inheritance, and though he was curious, pondering upon it now wouldn’t provide a clear answer and just be a waste of time. If he wanted to find out the truth, he would simply ask her just before killing her.
What mattered now was that Iris had indeed become the Demon King, and likely just moments prior to her appearance. The timing was crucial.
Could he have prevented this had he acted sooner? Perhaps, but Eugene harbored no such regrets. He had been as swift as caution would allow. If he still failed to prevent it, then maybe, as Iris mentioned, her transformation was an inevitability.
‘No, we are not too late. In fact, we are early,’ Eugene realized after some thought.
Had events followed their expected course and the fleet not hastened their speed considerably, it would have been days after Iris became the Demon King that they would have arrived in the waters of Solgalta Sea. With a delay of even days in their arrival after her ascension — the newly crowned Demon King would have grown in strength in those days.
Even now, as they waited to formulate a plan, Iris continued to grow stronger as the Demon King. Thus, fleeing would definitely be the wrong course of action to take. Would they flee, regroup, and then sail for over a fortnight just to return to these waters? That thought was completely ludicrous. Eugene had no intention of allowing Iris more time.
Iris, the newly crowned Demon King of Fury, was in her most vulnerable state right now. As such, she must be eliminated immediately.
Eugene wasn’t the only one with such a thought. Sienna and Anise knew too well the might, tenacity, and terror a Demon King possessed.
At present, Iris didn’t have a vast following, thereby making her a bit easy to deal with.
These waters had transformed into her territory, the Devildom, but her army only comprised of mere pirates and dark elves. While her powers might strengthen them, their numbers were currently not overwhelming. But given time, their ranks would swell uncontrollably. And a Demon King drew power from fear.
If the news of Iris becoming the Demon King of Fury spread across the continent, and if her reign of terror grew, and if, by some chance, the Demon King of Incarceration recognized and accepted Iris….
If that were to happen, they would regret not acting on this day for the rest of their lives.
***
Eugene, Sienna, and Anise harbored no intentions of fleeing, yet the conviction of the rest of the punitive force was not as steadfast.
"If you wish to stay, remain here," declared Eugene, standing before dozens of ship captains and the warriors of the expedition. "You came to battle pirates and their Pirate Empress, not the Demon King. If you're not prepared to die, I'd rather you stay put because fleeing won't be easy either."
The one speaking with such harshness was but a youth who would be twenty-two years of age in only three days. Yet of the people present, many of whom could have been his father's age, none dared to voice an objection against him.
Was it because he was the Hero? Or perhaps because he was a descendant of the Great Vermouth? It was neither. Rather, it was the hostile, overwhelmingly suffocating aura he emitted. Though his hostility was directed at the Demon King, everyone present was stunned by its sheer weight.
"It’s not considered… fleeing," came a voice.
It belonged to one of the few people who could withstand Eugene's imposing aura. Ortus Hyman clenched his fist as sweat pooled in his palm, and a jumble of thoughts clouded his mind. He was significantly older than Eugene and had addressed him by first name in prior encounters. Yet now, he hesitated to be so informal to the young man standing before him.
"Mister Eugene, as you've said, Iris has become the Demon King. We came to battle dark elves and pirates, not the Demon King,” said Ortus.
"So?" Eugene interrupted, "As I just said, if you wish to stay, stay. I have no intention of forcing anyone who is unwilling."
"The thing is, Mister Eugene, we are ill-prepared. It would be wise to retreat, regroup, and prepare to fight against the Demon King—" But Ortus was interrupted once again.
"Prepare?" Eugene sneered, not bothering to wait for Ortus to finish. He wasn't the only one who reacted this way.
"Ha!" A sharp laugh echoed from Sienna. She was seated in midair on a magic circle. It was a loud, cold laugh, loud enough for everyone to hear.
"Are we the only ones who need to prepare?” Sienna asked. “Sir Ortus, retreating, gives Iris, the new Demon King, time. Precious time, no less. And even if we do retreat, I don’t think we will be “preparing” to fight against her. Am I wrong?” Sienna said quizically.
Ortus was smart and one of the prominent knights of Shimuin. As such, he grasped the implication of Sienna’s words immediately. Tragically, in this era, the Demon King wasn't the epitome of evil, not an enemy that needed to be vanquished at all costs. If they retreated to the mainland and reported the issue of the Demon King to the palace…. Would the King of Shimuin mobilize the entire army against the new Demon King? And even if he did, how many nations would rally to their cause when they heard the news?
The thoughts and speculations flooding Ortus' mind were primarily pessimistic. He knew his king well, and he definitely wasn't known for making bold or principled decisions.
It wasn’t just limited to Shimuin, either. Most nations on the continent would try to opt for dialogue or negotiation rather than outright brand the new Demon King as an enemy.
"Sir Ortus," Eugene said fiercely, his eyes scanning the crowd, "I have no intention of being swayed by the empty words of high-seated lords. I refuse to give the Demon King more time with such pointless endeavors."
Eugene continued, his voice brimming with intensity, "As the Hero, I understand the Demon Kings better than any of you. If we return and spread the word of Iris' ascension, the entire continent will learn of the birth of the new Demon King, and chaos is bound to ensue after that. Many will be consumed by fear."
The Demon King drew power from reverence. Just as worship and faith made a god divine, fear of the Demon King made them demonic and powerful. That was the fundamental difference between the Demon Kings and regular demons.
“The Demon King of Fury, Iris. The more humans fear that name, the higher Iris' stature will rise. Her already formidable power would become all the more unstoppable,” explained Eugene.
Fear was the sweetest sacrifice to the Demon King. Eugene knew this all too well. He couldn’t let Iris gather power in this way.
“But Iris hasn't been the Demon King for long. Only the pirates under her command, the dark elves... and now, we know of her ascension. Do you understand what this means? Iris, the Demon King of Fury, is at her weakest now,” continued Eugene.
“I agree with Sir Eugene.” Ivic Slad, who had been silently listening until now, suddenly spoke up.
In truth, Ivic harbored a deep-seated query. Eugene Lionheart, Sienna Merdein, and Kristina Rogeris — from whence had these three appeared? They definitely hadn't been on the ship on the ship before. And where… had the three servants claiming to be from the Lionheart family gone?
'If I ask... I will surely die.' Ivic instinctively recognized the truth.
Perhaps when all was settled, it might be different. But to voice such doubts now would cost him his dear life. The murderous aura radiating from Eugene reminded Ivic of the intense specter of death he felt on many battlefields. No, in fact, it was more profound and greater than what he had experienced throughout his life as a mercenary.
“Even if you wish to flee, it won't be easy. Didn't the Empress... no, the Demon King say so? That escape from these seas is impossible,” Ivic reiterated Eugene’s words.
At these words, another person joined in on the conversation. “Ah... that light from before….” Prince Jafar stammered. The prince's face was drenched in sweat, and tears were pooling in his eyes.
It was inevitable. Jafar had joined the expedition because they had been up against puny pirates. He had underestimated the dark elf, the so-called Abyssal Princess from centuries past, the Pirate Empress, as she was known these days. Regardless of her reputation from centuries ago, she was now nothing but a fugitive turned pirate.
There were fewer than a hundred dark elves and thousands of pirates under her command. The expeditionary force easily outnumbered them, and they had formidable warriors like Ortus, Ivic, and Carmen with them.
The battle would undoubtedly be tough, but there was no chance the expeditionary force would lose. The difficulty of the expedition had made participation worthwhile for Jafar. He could demonstrate his courage in choosing to participate and also grasp the honor of victory. Of course, Jafar never had any intention of joining the battle. He believed that merely being present on the scene at the rear would earn him the desired glory.
But now... a Demon King? Jafar felt he might go mad. Even those born in this age knew how preposterous and terrifying the existence of a Demon King was.
“Eugene... Eugene Lionheart. With the light you emitted, and the divine power of Saint Kristina... and the magic of Wise Lady Sienna, can't we carve a path of retreat through the veil in the rear?” asked Jafar in a pleading tone.
“Did this retard not hear anything I said?” Eugene's expression crumpled as he glared at Jafar. He didn’t even bother to filter his words at this point.
Retard? Jafar was baffled. No one had ever dared to direct such vulgarities at the prince, the third in line to ascend the throne.
“Let me make this clear. I have no intention of fleeing, understand? And is it just me? No. Both Lady Sienna and Saint Kristina have no thoughts of escape either,” Eugene said, glaring a Jafar.
“It's not…. I'm not suggesting we all run…. We just need an avenue for... ahem, not fleeing, but a strategic retreat….” Jafar’s voice trailed off under Eugene’s severe gaze.
“So, you want me to create an escape route? You think that's easy, you moron? Do you think opening a path wide enough for dozens of ships to safely exit is simple?” Eugene spat as he glowered at Jafar.
Eugene’s attitude was completely inappropriate, given that he was talking to a prince. His gaze was steeped in irreverence as well. Yet, Jafar couldn't point it out, for those glistening golden eyes made him quail in fear. Instead, he averted his eyes from Eugene’s gaze.
Eugene scoffed and said, "Why should we waste our strength on such a useless thing? Listen well, I won't clear a path so you can escape easily. Do you understand what I’m saying? If you want to run, do so of your own volition. If you lack the confidence to escape or the courage to face the Demon King, just stay here."
One would have hoped that being a prince, he would possess a certain strength of character like Honein of Aroth. Unfortunately, Jafar proved to be of little worth. Indeed, for Jafar to stand tall in this place, rallying everyone to face the frenzied Demon King, seemed an almost laughable idea.
The Demon Kings were powerful, terrifying, and tenacious existences. In some ways, the Demon Kings were akin to cockroaches. Merely getting a glimpse would send shivers down one's spine. If a Demon King approached while flapping their wings, one would be compelled to scream. They wouldn’t die even after being hit repeatedly. Left unchecked, much like how a roach laid eggs, they would rally their minions.
But though similar to cockroaches, the Demon Kings weren’t exactly like cockroaches. They were formidable. One had to prepare oneself to face such an entity.
Even three hundred years ago, those who fought till the very end in the demon realm had resolved to meet their doom there, fighting till the end.
Hence, Eugene had no intentions of rallying others to join the fight.
"It should be safer to quietly stay here rather than trying to flee. Iris likely has more interest in Saint Kristina, Lady Sienna, and me,” Eugene repeated himself.
If they advanced, Iris would undoubtedly have a grand welcome awaiting them. Perhaps Iris might have other schemes, attacking those who stayed behind…. But Eugene didn't bother considering that possibility.
"I've no intention of fleeing or staying put…. May I join you then?" Ivic asked, a smirk playing on his lips. "The enemy might have become the Demon King, but we have the Hero and the Saint. Plus, a legendary wizard who has already defeated three Demon Kings."
"If you've no regrets about dying,” responded Eugene dryly.
"Regrets? Hahaha! One might change their mind when death's door looms, but I don't feel any regrets now. Isn't vanquishing the Demon King a feat more valuable than vanquishing the Pirate Empress by dozens, no, hundreds of times?" Ivic laughed heartily before turning his head.
He then continued, "I'm not sure if my subordinates share my sentiment, but experience and reputation are vital for mercenaries. I’m known as the King of Mercenaries, and I’ve finally come across the chance to prove my reputation.”
Ivic's proclamation left the bystanders glancing at each other, torn between reason and fear.
The crimson eyes of the Demon King they'd seen earlier, the marine creatures meeting a gruesome fate, the unsettling hum of the flying insects, and the ominous dread that came with the darkness…. It was a terror they couldn't shake off or resist. The more they recalled, the more they yearned to flee.
Yet, even in darkness, there was light. The Hero kindled the light, the Saint spread it, within which angels sang their hymns, and the archwizard overturned the seas.
Even if they faced the Demon King….
With those three by their side, perhaps they stood a chance. This sentiment started to grow among the expeditionary force.
"I will join, too,” Carmen spoke while leaning on the railings. She stared at the dark, viscous ocean that was reminiscent of congealed blood. "If she has now become the Demon King, it's even more imperative that I go. After all, I am a Lionheart," Carmen declared proudly. Despite her piercing gaze, Carmen's voice was stoic. Yet, beneath the surface, emotions raged within her.
When Iris' dark power descended upon them, Carmen had been gripped by fear, and terror had eclipsed her hostility. Her body had shuddered involuntarily, and her head spun outside of her control.
Carmen could not withstand the shame she felt from having felt such emotions.
Even if she had been unprepared, as a descendant of the prestigious Lionheart family, no, as the heir of the previous Hero, the Great Vermouth, she shouldn’t have cowered before the Demon King. She felt that she must press forward, if not to protect herself, then to avenge her own disgrace.
"S-Sir Ortus…," Jafar cried out desperately.
Both Ivic and now Carmen had made their position clear, and the atmosphere had irrevocably shifted in favor of Eugene. Jafar looked in alarm at Ortus, his face paling amidst the change.
"S-Surely, you’re not thinking of joining them? You lead the kingdom’s forces, so you can’t just decide impulsively,” Jafar reminded him.
Ortus closed his eyes without a word. He needed to think. What should he do?
Prince Jafar was right. The gladiators who had made their names known were only hired blades in the end. However, Ortus was the duke of the kingdom, and the troops under him were the nation’s army, bequeathed to him by the king. Additionally, Ortus had the duty of protecting Prince Jafar.
But was that really the right choice? Ortus pondered deeply.
If he remained behind in the battle against the Demon King to represent the king’s will… was that really the right choice to make?
This wasn’t just a knight's dilemma. It wasn’t just an issue of chivalry. What if they succeeded in subduing the Demon King? And if Ortus didn’t participate in such a legendary feat?
Shimuin’s reputation would surely crumble, and he would be blamed and cast into oblivion. Perhaps… it was better to accompany them? There might be great losses to the kingdom's forces, but if they succeeded in subduing the Demon King... wouldn’t those losses be hailed as a glorious sacrifice?
"I will go."
A surprising voice supported Ortus' decision. It was Scalia Animus. She stepped forward, pushing Jafar aside, and made her declaration.
"Scalia!" Jafar cried out in astonishment.
Usually, Scalia never defied her elder brother Jafar's words. But now, Jafar's shouts fell on Scalia’s deaf ears.
The scent of blood.
The aroma wafting from the sea invigorated Scalia's heart. The upcoming battle ensnared her, and with frenzied anticipation, she cried, "I am here representing the royal family of Shimuin! If I do not go, it's as if our royal family has bowed to the Demon King. I will bravely move forward and face the Demon King!"
What was this crazy bitch saying? Jafar's eyes widened in disbelief.
She represented the royal family? While not untrue, Scalia did not have the authority to make that decision. Being higher in the hierarchy, Jafar should have been the one to speak for the royal family.
"Si... Silence! Scalia! How dare you…!” Jafar tried to salvage the situation.
"I understand." Even Ortus did not heed Jafar’s words. He was sure that Jafar would eventually be pleased if the mission succeeded.
‘As long as we all don’t die,’ Ortus thought.
At this moment, it was right to pursue honor by following Princess Scalia. With his decision made, Ortus nodded before declaring, "We will face the Demon King together."
"What together ?" Eugene scoffed after having remained silent until now. He had a pretty good idea of the reasoning behind Ortus’ choice. "Let's fight on our own," Eugene declared.
"What…?" Ortus was dumbfounded.
"Everyone can just fight as they like. We'll journey together, but everyone will fend for their own lives." Eugene paused in thought and then brandished the Holy Sword.
He continued, "The God of Light decreed that we are not to trust even Him in the battle against the Demon King of Fury.”
He was also making sure to use the deity’s name after a long while.