Chapter 93: Beginning of the Attack

Story: I'm a Daemon, so what?

Disclaimer: I do not own the original setting.

Chapter 93: Beginning of the Attack

There are up to 15 chapters ahead of update schedule at p@treon.com/theogbasilisk

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- Felix -

Her hands resumed their movements, though there was a bit more pressure now, as if she were trying to distract herself from my teasing. I chuckled, leaning back even further into her touch. "You know, Raiden certainly has an eye for fashion. This new uniform suits you much better... highlights all the right places." I added, glancing over my shoulder to catch the embarrassed look on her face as her grip tightened slightly.

Evelyn wasn't quite a lookalike of Elmesia's, but they could be considered sisters and their general body types were almost the same.

I was probably going too far, but it'll be fine. Probably. Besides I was a Demon Lord, I could be a degenerate if I wanted to.

Wait, that thought was something Lalatina would think. She infected me!

Evelyn's lips twitched. "Master…" She mumbled, her eyes darting to the floor in faux embarrassment. This wasn't even Elmesia's true body even if it shared a lot of similarities, so I guess Elmesia didn't really care about being ogled in this form of hers. 

Though oddly enough her desires were still confusing me. She was prideful about her looks even though they weren't her real looks. Was this how women who became completely different people with makeup felt? I don't think I'll ever understand.

I'll just leave it at women being confusing.

Now just how far should I take this?

I grinned, thoroughly enjoying her reactions. Messing with people with authority would always be an enjoyable hobby, I knew there was a reason Satoru liked to fuck with Yaga and other important people so much. "Relax, Evelyn. I'm just... enjoying the view." I said with a wink, watching her cheeks turn a delightful shade of red. "For now, keep up the good work. I'll let you know if I need anything more... personal."

Evelyn's hands stilled for a moment as my words sank in. I could feel her emotions swirling, pride, embarrassment, confusion, it was all tangled together in a chaotic mess. The fact that she was still maintaining her composure, even playing into my teasing, only made it more amusing for me. 

Her fingers resumed their massage, firmer now, the Magic flowing through her touch making the sensation extremely pleasant. I let out a contented sigh, closing my eyes as I enjoyed the attention. I decided to subtly tweak Evelyn's own desires with Lover, nothing drastic that would be noticed. I just increased her own pleasure a bit, she'd associate that pleasure with giving me a massage and that would confuse her more.

I had no idea where I was going with this, but I would stick along for the ride. What's the worst that could happen?

"Evelyn."

Evelyn's hands froze. "Yes master?"

I tilted my head. "I think I'm in the mood for some wine. Could you get me some from the cabinet." I said as I gestured to my wine cabinet in the corner of the room.

Evelyn stepped back. "As you wish, master."

As Evelyn went to get the wine I closed my eyes as I thought everything through. I could tone it back on the teasing if I wanted. I was likely doing way too much at this point as Evelyn's tenure as my maid was still early on.

My lips twitched as I felt a sense of victory emanating from Evelyn's desires. That brat hag! I refuse to allow her to think she won, even in the depths of her mind!

"I do believe that you are getting a bit carried away." Othinus chimed in.

If Othinus thinks so, then chances are I probably am getting carried away. But eh, what's life without a bit of mischief here and there?

I could feel Othinus' exasperation. 

"Here you are, master." I opened my eyes to see Evelyn holding out a glass of wine for me. "You seemed to be deep in thought so I did not wish to disturb you by asking which of your collection you wished to enjoy."

I nodded as I examined the wine. "This is one of my more special wines." I said as I gaze up at Evelyn. "You must have gotten quite lucky picking it as it is one I enjoy." 

Evelyn merely smiled. "Indeed, I must have gotten lucky, master."

I smiled. "It must have been. Why don't I tell you a little bit about it then."

Evelyn bowed. "I would be honored."

 "This," I began, appreciating the weight of the glass in my hand, "is a rare bottle from one of the most well known vineyards in Sarion. They say the grapes are bathed in starlight during their harvest, allowing them to absorb the purest form of energy. Each sip is said to bring clarity of mind, a heightened awareness of the world around you."

I had gotten a bit interested in the various wines out there after trying some of Clayman's collection back when I first took over his territory. Clayman's wine collection was worth a literal fortune due to how rare and how old most of them were. 

The power of Magic could really create some wondrous foods and drinks, wine was something that had been heavily experimented on since having a lot of vintage wines was a symbol of status. 

I'm sure Evelyn didn't pick this wine by mistake, she probably had a personal preference for it. 

Evelyn's eyes widened in wonder. "What an extraordinary wine!" 

"Indeed. It costed me a fortune." It was even capable of getting me a bit drunk if I lowered my resistances, which is exactly what I did as I took a sip. "Mmm. Just as good as I remember. Now, why don't you resume your massage."

Evelyn bowed as she got back into position behind me. She quickly got back to work massaging my shoulders, using Magic to boost how pleasurable it was for me.

"You know." I mused, my tone low and playful. "If you keep this up, I might start thinking you actually enjoy serving me." I said, making it obvious that I knew that she was not exactly happy with her circumstances. But Elmesia did serve herself on a platter. Honestly she is way too trusting with me to give me access to basically a fragment of herself that connects to her main self, though I suppose she likely didn't think I'd realize that I would know about that.

Evelyn's breath hitched again, her hands faltering just slightly before she quickly composed herself. "I live to serve, Master." She reassured, though there was a subtle bite to her words, as if she were challenging me to push her further. It seems she had given up keeping up the act of a perfectly submissive maid. It didn't take long at all for Elmesia's pride to win out against her desire for fun. 

I chuckled, my eyes opening just enough to catch the brief flicker of defiance in her expression. "Do you now?" I drawled out. "You seem to be enjoying yourself almost as much as I am."

Evelyn's cheeks flushed deeper, her eyes narrowing slightly as she leaned in closer, her breath ghosting over my ear causing a pleasant shiver to travel down my spine. Sex Magic was truly a wondrous thing, whoever created it must be in the promised land. 

"I'm merely doing my duty, Master." She murmured, her voice soft but laced with a bit of playfulness now. "Though I can't help but notice how... sensitive you are to my touch." She teased back as she put some more pressure on my shoulders.

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her sudden boldness. It seems she has decided to take on the fuck it we ball mindset. A respectable choice in these circumstances, it was what I was rolling with after all. 

"Sensitive, am I?" I replied, turning my head slightly to meet her gaze, my smirk widening. "You have no idea." I said with a wink.

For a moment neither of us said anything. Evelyn's hands were still on my shoulders, but her touch had become more deliberate, more confident. Through her desires I could tell that she was testing the waters, pushing back against my teasing in her own subtle way. Even now I could see a hint of Elmesia peeking through Evelyn's disguise, what with this whole game she was playing. Hinting and prodding at my defenses to see what sort of reactions I'd give. 

I decided to push things a little further, further than I should have probably. "You know, Evelyn." I began, my voice dropping to a low, suggestive tone. "There are far more intimate ways to please your master. Ways that would truly test that loyalty of yours."

Her eyes widened, but the shock quickly gave way to something else, curiosity, perhaps, and even a hint of temptation. There was pride in her as well as a feeling of power. Her lips parted as if to respond, but she hesitated, her emotions still a tangled mess that even I couldn't quite decipher through Lover. Seriously, what is wrong with her? Was ever ancient being in this world just a bundle of confusing desires?

Before she could speak, I leaned back into her hands again, sighing dramatically. "But for now." I said with a playful smirk. "This will do. You're... adequate." I said giving Evelyn an out. I didn't want to go much further than this at this point. In the future maybe but I wouldn't expressly aim for anything. I didn't want Elmesia to dive into something she didn't want just because I taunted her pride, for now I was just enjoying messing with Elmesia.

Evelyn's lips twitched in what could have been a smirk of her own, though she quickly masked it behind her usual calm demeanor. "I'm glad to meet your standards, Master." She replied, her tone carefully measured, though I could hear the faint hint of satisfaction beneath the surface.

I chuckled, leaning back further into her touch, enjoying the game we were playing. "Oh, I'm sure you'll rise to the occasion soon enough." I teased, casting her a knowing look.

Her eyes met mine, and for a brief moment, I could see the flicker of defiance, that fiery pride that came from centuries of being an empress, hiding beneath the surface. But just as quickly, she lowered her gaze and gave a soft bow. "Of course, Master. I will always strive to exceed your expectations."

I smirked, leaning back in my chair once more. "Good. I look forward to it." I said as I took a sip of my wine.

I wonder what the Elmesia back in Sarion is thinking right now? She should be receiving Evelyn's memories the moment they happen through the soul link Evelyn and Elmesia share.

They were practically the same person but not the same person at the same time. From what I understand Elmesia forged a connection between the homunculus known as Evelyn and herself. So Elmesia was basically piloting the homunculus known as Evelyn. It was confusing but Elmesia made it work.

Basically she was Evelyn, but Evelyn was not her.

- Elmesia El Ru Sarion -

She bit her nails as she slouched on her throne. A low growl escaped her throat, the delicate mask of royal composure faltering for a brief moment. "Grrr that bastard!" Her free hand repeatedly tapped on the armchair to her throne making a loud tapping noise echo through the throne room. 

The sound of a weary sigh came from behind her. "What happened this time, Elmesia?" Erald questioned. He was fulfilling his duty as both her uncle and the leader of the Ace-Class Knights, a stalwart presence always at her side. 

She noticed that his voice was calm, though it held the faintest edge of exasperation, as if he had been through this with her many times before. Which to be fair he had. He had been by her side during her many shenanigans to cure her boredom. They had once even gone and pranked her grandmother and his father together. The look on that hag's face was one she would never forget.

Elmesia was lounging in her throne room, the grand space that was equal parts opulent and suffocating. This was where she spent most of her time when she was forced to endure the incessant parade of nobles who came with their tedious problems and petty grievances. 

It irked her to no end that after she had united the thirteen kingdoms the Elves had split into, they still bickered and complained. What had once been glorious, noble bloodlines had devolved into sycophantic, quarrelsome aristocrats who had forgotten the horrors that had nearly annihilated them. They had forgotten about Milim Nava's rage and the monsters that lurked within this world.

And then there were the idiotic questions they asked.

'Why have you allied us with a Monster Kingdom, Empress?'

'Why have you allied us with Demon Lords, Empress?'

She had to suppress the urge to laugh every time she heard them. As the Divine Empress, she had enough power to crush them all with a flick of her wrist, but she did not wish to be a complete tyrant, her mother did not wish that of her. While she was not beholden to her mother, she still didn't want to disappoint the woman that birthed her. 

She admired her mother so much when growing up that her Spirit willed her Physical Body to develop in a similar way to her mother. There was a reason that her mother and she looked almost exactly alike excluding their differing hair colors. Even their proportions were exactly the same, from their rather large busts to their thin waists and large bottom.

Still, her patience was wearing thin, and these fools were testing her limits. Truly, she was suffering from success.

She turned to Erald with a small pout on her face. Her icy exterior, the one that made even her most loyal retainers hesitate before approaching, was replaced with the far more familiar expression she only showed in front of those she trusted.

Currently, her uncle was the only guard stationed in the throne room, and for good reason, none of the other guards had the audacity to stay when Erald was present. He was strong enough to deal with most threats on his own, and he had the trust of the Empress. 

As far as she was concerned, the rest of her guard was too serious, too focused on duty and honor. Which wasn't quite bad, they were just too boring for her taste. They were always talking about protecting her as if she needed protection.

She was a Saint, for heaven's sake, with an Ultimate Skill and power second only to her mother's within the dynasty. And even then, she liked to think she could give her mother a run for her money if they ever came to blows.

"That bastard is teasing me!" She squawked, her pout deepening as a small blush crept onto her cheeks. She could feel the heat rising in her face, a stark contrast to the cold, unyielding mask she usually wore. It was humiliating. She had lived for centuries, seen countless battles, conquered foes, and yet this... Felix, with his infuriating charm, had gotten under her skin.

Despite her many years of experience, some of the things Felix said to her were so shameless, so vile! Her mind flashed back to their last encounter, and she felt her stomach do a strange flip. She did not peg him for a leech, a pervert of the highest order, but here he was, proving her wrong at every turn. His comments, his insinuations, truly despicable!

Worse still, Raiden, Felix's loyal maid, had taken it upon herself to "educate" her. The memory of their bizarre interaction made her cringe internally. She could still hear Raiden's voice instructing her on... services, ones she had no intention of ever performing. The most mortifying part of it all was Raiden's insistence that the large phallus she was using for her "demonstration" was a replica of Felix's own. Elmesia had to fight the urge to slam her head against her throne. 

Those kinds of services do not fall under the purview of a standard maid to her knowledge! She knew the debauchery some Human nobles got up to, making use of their maids for their own pleasure, but they were different. Surely she was right, surely standard maids maids were not expected to perform such services. Were they?! Yet Felix didn't seem to wish her to be one of his standard maids.

She ignored the part of her that couldn't help but be impressed by the sheer size of the thing. Yes, magic and potions could be used to enhance one's physical attributes, but still, it was… something. From an entirely clinical perspective, of course. Umu.

"I mean, really! Why would she expect me to—" Elmesia's thoughts were interrupted by Erald's cough, drawing her back to the present.

"I have no idea what you're talking about." Erald said flatly, his tone implying that perhaps, he didn't want to know. He had a way of remaining detached, even as she ranted.

She sighed, not wanting to think about that situation any more. Her thoughts wandered back to Raiden. They hadn't had much interaction just yet as she was only starting her tenure as a maid, and yet Raiden's loyalty to Felix was clear as day. 

She had thought Raiden to be an admirable fighter, their spar gave her some insight to Raiden's power. She would likely have to go all out to defeat Raiden which meant using her Ultimate Skill which was a feat on its own. Felix truly got lucky recruiting Raiden.

Not to mention that her loyalty to Felix was admirable. Elmesia could only wish all her subordinates were as loyal to her as Raiden seemed to be to Felix. Yet she was discovering the hidden depths to Felix's Dragon Maid. Raiden had given her an example to follow by fellating the phallus in front of her, it was clear that she had quite a lot of experience.

To think Felix would lay his hands on such a loyal maid. He was truly a leech of the highest order. A despicable Demon Lord.

She sighed, slumping further into her throne. "I was bored, so I decided to create a homunculus and split a part of myself into it. Right now, I'm here, but I'm also giving Felix a massage." She said, rolling her eyes dramatically.

Erald's spear clattered to the floor as his eyes widened in shock. "You what!?"

She rolled her eyes again, this time with less patience. "I split a part of myself into a homunculus, sent it along with Felix to... amuse myself. Do you understand now? Or must I repeat myself?" She was already annoyed by all the bullshit she had to deal with recently, she wasn't in the mood to deal with Erald's shenanigans. 

Erald's jaw dropped, and he pointed an accusing finger at her. "Y-You!" He stammered, momentarily lost for words. He composed himself, though his tone was still incredulous. "What am I going to do with you? Do you even realize the risk you've taken?"

She waved his concern away with a casual flick of her hand, though a part of her knew his worry was justified. She was aware of the potential dangers, and she understood why Erald would be alarmed by her decision. But honestly, she had grown tired of the constant warnings, the incessant need to be cautious. She was bored, and boredom was the bane of someone in her position. Besides, what harm could come from it? Felix was... complicated, but she did not sense true malice from him. Not yet.

In the end she knew she was the one being unreasonable for expecting her right hand man to be fine with her risking herself. If she were to die for whatever reason her Dynasty would be thrown into chaos. None of the Kingdoms were all that loyal to her, they were loyal to her power and the security she granted them.

She united them with her strength and charisma. In this world everyone wants to take shelter under the strong, if she were to die however each of the 13 Kingdoms under her would split off on their own and attempt to secure themselves if her mother did not intervene. Some would attempt to take over but they would fail as none of them had enough political power and military power to take over such a vast amount of land. She hoared the majority of the military power for that very same reason, to prevent rebellion.

Without her serving as protection many other Kingdoms would see her death as an opportunity to take Sarion's resources and enslave the Elves. She was quite fond of Humanity but that did not mean she was blind to its faults. Any race different than their own was heavily discriminated against, even the Elves and Dwarves who followed the same evolutionary pathway.

However she had a feeling nothing truly bad would come of having a part of herself accompany Felix, and as a Saint she tended to live by her instincts, but she did still have a countermeasure in place.

Besides, she was bored. She was willing to do a lot to find entertainment. She had once hired assassins to come kill her because she was that bored since she heard good things about them. Of course the assassins failed to entertain her, but that showed the lengths she was willing to go to to entertain herself. 

"Do you not realize the amount of risk you have placed yourself in?" Erald continued. "For a Demon Lord to have access to a piece of yourself... to give him such power over you is extremely short-sighted, Elmesia!"

Elmesia's lips twitched in amusement. She understood the risks all too well, but a part of her found Erald's protectiveness endearing. He cared deeply for her, though she often felt he worried too much. "I am aware of the risks, but I have countermeasures in place. At any moment, I can sever the connection between myself and the homunculus, completely separating us. It will take me a month to regenerate the fragment of my power, but that's a small price to pay for some... entertainment."

She leaned back, crossing one leg over the other. There was a chance that Felix had already figured out Evelyn's true nature. If that were the case, then he was playing his cards close to the chest. Perhaps that was why he had been so willing to accept Evelyn's presence, knowing she was no ordinary maid.

If he did know that she was Evelyn then that would explain his interest in Evelyn. She had noticed that he didn't pay his other maids much attention excluding Raiden. Oh sure he thanked them for their service and all when he passed by them, but he never ordered them to serve him in other ways as he had Evelyn to her knowledge. Even Raiden said she did not know why Felix was interested in her, but that it wasn't her place to question him. 

His awareness of Evelyn's true purpose would explain it, or another explanation was that he was merely interested in Evelyn due to being curious about what kind of relationship she and Evelyn had, completely unaware that they were the same person. 

Or he was simply attracted to Elves, with Evelyn being the first Elf he had direct access to. She had long since known certain individuals fetishized her race. 

Erald, still in shock, sighed heavily. "I suppose I can't stop you. Have you at least learned anything useful from your little... experiment?"

Elmesia tilted her head thoughtfully. "A bit. Raiden, Felix's maid, is extraordinarily powerful. She's at least on par with the strongest of the Ace-Class Knights, including you. I wouldn't be surprised if she was even beyond them."

Erald's eyes widened again. "That powerful? You're saying she's a threat at the Disaster Class level? A Demon Lord-level threat?"

Elmesia nodded. "Indeed, and Raiden isn't the only one. Felix has some of the Primordials under his command. I suspect they're even stronger than Raiden. On top of that, his military is well-organized. The common soldiers are ranked between C and B, with officers at A Rank and above. The Primordial of Yellow, Jaune, is the one responsible for the military, so I expect them to be quite capable combatants."

Erald rubbed his temples, clearly trying to process the information. "We've underestimated Demon Lord Felix's forces. This is... troubling. Be careful, Elmesia. Reconnaissance is important, but don't expose yourself too much. We cannot predict what Felix might do, especially now that he has some influence over you. He seems friendly enough but one can never be too cautious."

Elmesia held back a wince. Erald had no idea Felix was already exercising his influence over her, making her serve him in ways she had never before served anyone. A lewd shoulder massage? Really?

She reclined further in her throne, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the intricate designs on the armrest. Elmesia's expression wavered between mischief and contemplation. The truth was, she hadn't expected Felix to become such a fixation in her mind. Sure, he was powerful, and yes, his reputation as a Demon Lord was well earned, but there was something about him that got her a bit interested, something that wasn't entirely political. And that irritated her to no end.

It was likely that he had found a unique way to mess with her, in a way she would have trouble retaliating against him. She was always one to mess with others, even as she matured that hobby of hers never faded, but it wasn't often that someone could get one over her multiple times, leaving her not many ways to retaliate. As such he was a fixation in her mind due to her constantly wondering how to get revenge on the evil Demon Lord. It would be nothing malicious of course. 

"I know what I'm doing, Erald." She said, her tone suddenly serious. The weight of her presence momentarily revealed itself, cutting through her usual flippancy. "I am not some child playing at diplomacy or war. Felix is formidable, yes. He has Primordials under his command and an army that could challenge the best in the world. But I am not naive. I know how to handle power and how to manipulate it for my own ends."

She didn't plan to manipulate Felix or anything, she was merely trying to reassure Erald so he wouldn't needlessly worry. She had a feeling if she did try to manipulate Felix, then she would not be in for a good time.

Erald crossed his arms, his sharp gaze still fixed on her. "I'm not doubting your intelligence, Elmesia, but Felix is no ordinary threat. You're toying with someone who is unpredictable and dangerous, even for you. You've had your fun before, you've pulled your pranks, but this may be the riskiest of them all. Who knows how he'll react if he finds out you infiltrated his palace."

Elmesia's eyes flicked up toward her uncle. "I am aware of the risks, but I have a feeling he won't be as upset as you think." She said. "You are thinking of him as some evil being that will exercise whatever authority he has to make others' lives worse. I spoke with him in private and that is not what I saw at all. He is merely someone living his life to the fullest." 

Erald's brow furrowed, sensing the depth behind her words. "Fine then, you want to see where this goes?"

She sighed, leaning back and closing her eyes. "I do. Felix is a rather intriguing individual. I am curious about him. Never before has there been a rise to power as swift or as drastic as his was. Rimuru Tempest is similar, but Felix seems to hold even more power than Rimuru. He's infuriating, reckless, arrogant… but also intriguing. His way of looking at the world is different, unconventional. And yes, I want to see how far he'll go, how far I can push him."

She still remembered the thrill of pleasure she felt when Felix moaned out in pleasure at her caress. She hadn't felt anything quite like that before. 

Erald remained silent for a moment.

She could admit to herself that this wasn't just about politics or power anymore. Elmesia was fascinated, maybe even intrigued by Felix on a deeper level. That was dangerous territory for her, she knew that very well. When she found something interesting she could go a tad bit overboard. It was how she was with Wind Magic which led to her developing an Ultimate Skill focused on Wind Manipulation. Her obsessions could take her far, this was merely the first time she was interested in a person rather than some Magic or object. 

"You've always been one to have your fun Elmesia." Erald said with a sigh. "I can't stop you either way, but be careful."

A small smile formed on her lips. "I will uncle, trust me."

She had lived for so long, experienced so much, that very few things in the world truly excited her anymore. Felix was new, unpredictable, and somehow, despite his vulgarity and the crude charm he wielded, she couldn't deny that he had piqued her interest, as did Rimuru. 

Plus she still wanted her revenge. She would wait for the perfect opportunity to strike, she would prank him yet.

"Whatever, just make sure you don't lose." Her uncle said, giving up on pretenses, openly admitting that she was merely playing a game.

Elmesia smirked, her usual confidence returning full force. She flicked her wrist dismissively, as though shooing away his concerns. "I'm the Divine Empress, uncle. I don't lose."

As the two of them bathed in the silence of the room, her thoughts drifted back to Felix. A strange warmth coursed through her veins whenever she thought of him, a warmth she hadn't felt in a very long time. 

It was more than just the thrill of the political chess game they played, it was something a bit more personal. When giving him that massage she used some of the more pleasurable Magics she had knowledge of. When she did, she had power over him, or at least she believed she did, and that power stirred something deep within her, something she hadn't expected.

It wasn't just about controlling him politically. No, there was an intoxicating rush in knowing that he was drawn to her, even if he would never admit it. 

The knowledge that she could bend him to her will, that he could fall under her influence, awakened desires she had long since buried beneath centuries of stoic rule. It didn't matter if her beliefs weren't true, merely the thought of them created an odd feeling within her. 

The game they played was not one of simple dominance or submission, it was more primal she would call it. When she felt that flicker of control over Felix while giving him that massage, she felt an undeniable rush of power. 

Her lips curled into a slow smile, her heartbeat quickening slightly as she allowed herself to indulge in the thought. 

There was something arousing about having Felix at her mercy, or at least the illusion of it. He was strong, dangerous even, yet there were moments when she felt she could practically unravel him, could pull him in closer, manipulate him not just with her mind but with her body. The idea sent a ripple of heat through her.

A soft chuckle escaped her as she tilted her head back, eyes half-closed as she let the thought linger. The idea of her attempting to get him under her control, of trying to get him to respond to her touch, to her words, to her every whim, and then after all that to her failing.

The cold, calculated side of her knew that this was dangerous territory, that allowing herself to feel this way about Felix could lead to complications. But the other part of her, the part that craved excitement, couldn't help but push the boundaries.

What could she say? She liked her fun. She liked it even more when the results were unpredictable, that was just the kind of woman she was. 

She looked out into the distance, beyond the palace walls. Felix was likely going about his business, entirely unaware of the conversation that just occurred. Or perhaps he was fully aware. That thought alone both annoyed and intrigued her.

- Granbell -

He calmly strode forward as he went over everything he had planned once more. Demon Lord Rimuru would soon be escorted to the meeting with the Council of the West, soon after the start of the meeting it would be attacked by Kagali's Magic Inquisitors. 

He was rather curious as to how they were more powerful than the norm, but he couldn't focus on that now. That would be a resource he could explore later. 

He turned to his side where his old friend walked beside him. Razul's dark frame contrasted quite heavily with his rather old looks. "Are you ready, old friend?"

Razul nodded. "I am ready." Razul said as he clenched his fist. "I will fulfill the duty that is expected of me, Granbell."

Granbell nodded, a small smile on his face. "Excellent. Misha should already be in position and ready for teleportation." They couldn't sneak Misha and her large horde of Monsters into the capital city of Ruberious. There were just some things that were impossible. So they ended up deciding that Misha and her Monsters would be teleported with Spatial Magic. He had long ago created openings in the important barriers in Ruberious that would be impossible to spot without knowing about them. Those weaknesses would allow for Misha and her beasts to be teleported directly into Lune.

And while he was no expert at Spatial Magic, he still had an artifact given by the Scorch Dragon Velgrynd that allowed one to freely be transported past any barriers a single time. Damrada had been given a similar artifact according to his knowledge. He gave his artifact to Misha, Kagali's eyes had widened when she spotted it but she hadn't said anything.

Currently Razul and he were traveling through a hidden underground tunnel, one that led to the front of the Grand Cathedral. The tunnel had been hidden through various magics as well as a seal that would trick sensory abilities to believe the tunnel wasn't there. He would not be surprised if someone managed to see through the trick, yet he believed only beings vastly more powerful and experienced than he was would be capable of doing so.

The remaining members of Blood Shadow and the Foreign Intelligence Agency of Siltrosso should already be stationed around Grand Cathedral to assist in the attack. They entered Lune under the disguise of ordinary citizens. He had long since gotten them the proper papers to be registered as people of Ruberious and residents of Lune for precisely this moment.

He began whistling a light tune, knowing that either he would die or everything he had ever dreamed of would be accomplished in the upcoming hours. If he was able to free Chronoa from Luminous' clutches then Humanity will have finally gotten the Hero it needs. He can leave everything to her, and if he dies then he dies. The dead do not have feelings. 

As he and Razul emerged from the tunnel with their presences completely suppressed, he felt the faint hum of magic barriers. He raised a brow, he could sense the barriers around the Grand Cathedral had been strengthened a great deal by Luminous. If he hadn't already coded in loop holes he would have failed to get through, he could only praise his foresight for adding such well hidden loopholes for himself and his compatriots. 

By now Kagali should be in position with Misha. She and Tear would be teleported along with Misha, however they would quickly split apart as Kagali would head towards the Holy Ark. He had ended up deciding to have Maria accompany Kagali and Tear as extra reinforcements as well as to act as his eyes. 

Maria, his long dead wife, was one of the most beloved people to him. Yet she was taken cruelly from the world. He preserved her corpse and imbued it with centuries worth of Love Energy that Luminous had meant to give him which strengthened Maria considerably. Not to mention he imbued her with the essences of many otherworlders that had outgrown their uses.

As she was now she would even give some Awakened beings a challenge.

The Grand Cathedral loomed ahead, its spires cutting into the sky like jagged teeth. A place of holiness to many, but to Granbell, it represented the iron grip of the goddess who had manipulated this world for far too long.

He glanced up at the imposing structure, his lips curling into a smirk. Soon, it would be reduced to nothing more than rubble. He could almost taste it, the sweet triumph over his rival, Luminous. He would either free this nation from the Demon Lords and the deceptive light of Luminous or he would die trying. He knew there was no in between. There were times in a man's life when they were willing to die for their ideals, this was one such moment for him. 

"Remember, old friend." Granbell murmured to Razul, his voice low but laced with anticipation. "Once we breach the outer defenses, Misha and her monsters will be teleported in. That's when the real chaos begins. You will serve as my backup, remain hidden until then." Razul nodded.

He paused for a moment, before deciding that some things needed to be said. "Razul." Granbell spoke softly. "If this goes according to plan, we will change the world. But remember, your life is just as important as the mission."

Razul had been his closest friend for centuries, perhaps he hadn't treated him as well as he could have, yet he knew he would cry for his old friend's death in private, just as he had for Mariabell's.

The taller Majin hesitated for a moment before giving a slow nod. "I will do what I must for your dreams, Granbell."

He sighed, he had expected as much from his friend. In the end he could only hope that he hadn't underestimated Luminous and her allied Demon Lords forces. He had attempted to plan for any variable he could think of. Demon Lord Rimuru would be busy with the Council of the West. Demon Lord Felix was far from Lune, teleporting over such a long distance would require obscene levels of calculation and power.

He pressed a hand to the side of his ear, activating the small communication stone hidden beneath his collar. The range he needed was too vast to communicate through the Telepathy Spell or Thought Communication, not to mention the many barriers that could intercept their call, he wouldn't take unneeded risks. 

"Misha." He whispered. "Are you ready?"

A voice crackled through the stone, rough but feminine. "In position. Waiting on your signal."

Granbell smiled. Everything seemed to be in place. Soon one of the greatest attacks in Ruberious' history would take place, and he was the reason for it all. He knew many Human lives would likely be lost, but sometimes the ends do justify the means. 

He took a deep breath, his beloved longsword, Truth was sheathed on his side. Truth was given to him by his master Rudra over 2,000 years ago, and he had been using it since. It was a bonafide God Grade weapon now. One he wielded like it was his own limb.

"Let us begin then." He motioned to Razul, and the two stepped into the shadows of the Cathedral's outer wall, their figures merging with the darkness. He had hidden his presence almost perfectly, yet he would not be surprised if Luminous had felt something was off. At their level their instincts were supernatural on their own and could warn an individual of danger ahead of time. A precognition of sorts that defied logic.

He was proven correct when he found that the Grand Cathedral was almost empty. He closed his eyes and expanded his senses. He felt civilians rapidly vanishing from his perception. He sighed as he opened his eyes. "I suppose it was too much to ask to keep this attack as a complete surprise then."

He could feel some of the Blood Shadow lurking on the rooftops above with their blades drawn. Suddenly, there was a flare of magic in the distance. Misha and her tamed Monsters had begun their attacks. He could feel the tremors of crashing buildings and roars of rage.

"Now, it is time to begin." He said as he withdrew Truth from its sheath, its vast holy energy beginning to leak into the surroundings. Razul's presence had already vanished, yet he knew Razul was close by.

He exhaled slowly, his eyes locking onto the cathedral's main tower as he made to destroy the Grand Cathedral in a single slash. That would be a fitting way to start everything, destroying one of the seats of power of the goddess Luminous herself.

He began to channel his own power into Truth, mostly his potent Fighting Spirit. He gripped Truth tightly with both hands and swung. "Judgment's Edge!"

The blade cut through the air in an arc, but the slash wasn't visible at first, just a whisper of movement, a ripple in space itself. Then, the air split. A violent shockwave erupted from the blade, distorting the atmosphere around him as the wind screamed around him, damaging, and even destroying some of the surrounding roads and buildings. 

He watched as his slash roared towards the cathedral, the most holy place in Lune, the capital of Ruberious.

In an instant, the force struck.

The cathedral trembled, a deafening crack echoing through the city as the foundation itself groaned. The towering spires crumbled as though made of brittle clay, shattering into dust. Windows burst apart, the stained glass disintegrating mid-air, and the walls, massive, ancient stone walls, collapsed in on themselves as if they had never existed.

Granbell watched, his expression cold and detached, as the mighty structure with centuries of history crumbled into nothingness. It didn't take more than a moment. One slash, and the Grand Cathedral, centuries of history, faith, and oppression, was reduced to rubble and smoke. It was certainly fortified, yet it could not handle a slash he put his power behind. 

Silence followed, save for the roars of Misha's beasts and the tremors of falling buildings.

As he made to leave he paused as he heard a familiar voice. "I would appreciate it if you stayed here, Granbell." 

"Hahaha." He laughed boisterously as he turned around. "Well, well, it seems someone isn't as incapacitated as everyone has been made to believe." He said as he eyed Hinata. She was standing harmlessly in the midst of the shattered bits of the Grand Cathedral. She looked around with a raised brow at the destruction. "Was this necessary?" 

He nodded. "It was." He responded. His destruction of the Grand Cathedral sent a message.

He didn't recognize the armor she wore, it was far above what he knew her to wear, same with the rapier she held in her hand. It seems he was missing a piece of the puzzle. 

"You didn't answer my question, I was led to believe you were… indisposed." 

Hinata smirked. "The reports of my injury have been… greatly exaggerated."

"I am assuming the civilians have all been safely evacuated?" Hinata nodded. "Indeed, we had long suspected that you would take this opportunity to play your games, and so we prepared ahead of time. A companion of mine safely teleported each civilian to safety the moment that your attack began." Hinata explained with a small smile.

He raised a brow at the look she was wearing. "Ghaha, are you in love now Hinata? That look is one I had seen on the faces of many lovestruck young women." He laughed. Truly despite his ambush being foiled he was still enjoying the byplay between him and his old student. Perhaps Humanity had hope yet.

"That's none of your business." Hinata said as she raised her rapier, a stern expression on her face. "Now come, Luminous allowed me to be the one to deal with you."

Granbell felt a small smile form on his face. "Yes! This is the attitude of a proper Hero! Come, defend your Kingdom from me! But I hope you know, I can be rather… Unyielding."

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I am highly motivated by your guys' reviews and likes, so do that! I'll probably keep writing or something.

I have a discord server, come hang out if you want! https://discord.gg/VxR5Gn72Fp I also have a channel in Shiro's Gaming Omniverse.

Author's Note: 

And so the attack finally begins! It's been a long time coming but we finally made it this far. I'm pretty happy with how the Granbell POV went. We also get to learn a bit more about Elmesia's thought process. I think I made her a bipolar gremlin by accident but it works. I tried to do a deeper dive on her thought process. She is a pretty ancient being and likely seeks entertainment. Even in canon she wanted to be close to rimuru to see what he got up to, she ended up partnering up with him to conquer the criminal underworld or something. In this case she is enjoying learning more about Felix, not to mention she loves her games. 

Anyways, thanks for reading, peace.

Thanks to @Salante and @Flowerman for beta'ing this chapter.