Chapter 31 –The Calm Before the War

Later that night – Deep within the Forest, Demon Base

A suffocating silence blanketed the forest—until it was broken by the rhythmic march of claws, hooves, and snarling growls.

A massive army of demons had gathered.

Over 200 lesser demons, 100 Rank 5s, 50 Rank 4s, and 30 Rank 3s lined the dense clearing. Towering over them all were five Demon Beasts, each brimming with unnatural, primal power—beasts forged in hate, armored in rage.

At the front stood Greed and Gluttony.

Greed looked like an ordinary man—lean, unreadable—but his calculating eyes and cold presence made him far more dangerous than his appearance suggested.

Gluttony, on the other hand, looked like a monster out of myth—massive, brutal, and built like a wrestler. His bulging muscles pulsed beneath cracked, war-scarred skin. In his hand rested a four-foot-long jagged blade, humming with demonic aura.

Greed stepped forward and raised his voice.

"We are demons—apex predators born of the void! We are stronger, faster, more evolved than humans. That is not arrogance. That is nature's decree, the nature is the one who made us superior."

The army snarled and rumbled in agreement.

"But one man dares to challenge that truth. A man they call hero. A man named—Arsh."

The crowd grew restless at the name.

"He has slain thousands of us… even killed one of our own, Commander Lust. After that three years ago, he created a drone army capable of wiping out demons up to Rank 6! Because of him—we were forced to retreat into the shadows!"

Greed's voice grew louder, venomous with rage.

"No more. Tonight, we end this rebellion. Tonight—we kill Arsh. Then we shall feast on the humans! Their blood will flow like rivers, and that girl… that Vessel, Rose… will be delivered to the Demon Lord."

The mention of the vessel brought a twisted grin to Gluttony's face.

"And when our Lord rewards us," Greed finished, his voice now a whisper laced with madness, "this world will be ours."

He raised a clawed hand. "Are you ready to turn this world into hell?!"

The army screamed in unison, a deafening roar of bloodlust. The forest itself trembled.

Greed and Gluttony laughed together—low, guttural, and full of hunger.

Shortly after – Private Military Airstrip

A sleek, high-tech plane touched down on a dimly lit runway. Though smaller than a commercial jet, its interiors were five-star, built with top-tier defense mechanisms and royal comfort.

Arsh and Rose approached the aircraft, the Evening wind blowing through Rose's blonde hair. Her light pink eyes, gentle and fragile, betrayed the turmoil in her heart.

She stopped just before the boarding ramp and turned to her brother and hug her.

"I don't want to go," she whispered, throwing her arms around him. "Please, let me join the fight too…"

Arsh returned her embrace, his voice calm but firm.

"Hey… don't start crying now."

"They're just two demon commanders. It's nothing out of the ordinary."

"I have Ainz. Noar. Even Sora's joining in. You know I won't lose."

Rose looked up at him, her eyes shimmering.

"Then… promise me. You'll come back."

Arsh smiled, brushing a hand over her head.

"I promise. I'll return safe, and then we'll throw the biggest party this world's ever seen, The whole world will celebrate that day."

"Summer break's almost here—I need to get back to my King duties anyway."

Rose nodded reluctantly and stepped back. But just as she turned to board, she spun around and hugged him one last time.

"Don't forget your promise. Or I'll never forgive you."

Arsh chuckled gently.

"I know. And trust me… I won't."

Rose finally boarded, and the plane began to launch. As it lifted into the sky, she waved from the window. Arsh stood motionless, smiling, hand raised in farewell.

After the plane disappears in air, Arsh turned back and start walking.

"OSAI," he said, voice suddenly sharp.

"Yes, sir?"

"Monitor that plane every second. Nothing—nothing—must happen to her."

"Understood. It's our fastest unit. Lady Rose will arrive in 47 minutes."

"Good," Arsh said, exhaling. "Alert me if anything changes, even a little."

"Reports from Sora arrived 30 minutes ago," OSAI continued. "He estimates the demon army's numbers. Noar is discreetly evacuating civilians, but progress is slow to avoid suspicion."

"Slow is fine. We still have time. They'll wait for Dark Night—the midpoint of midnight."

"Also, the neighboring country's military has nearly arrived. I've instructed them to remain quiet and await your orders."

"Excellent," Arsh nodded. "Now, let's not forget the award ceremony. Let's go."

He vanished in a blink.

A Little Later – College Hall

The grand hall sparkled with lights and anticipation. Every student was present, the energy in the air electric.

Arsh blinked into a seat beside Luna, who was scanning the room anxiously.

"Looking for someone?" he asked.

She jumped slightly. "When did you get here?!"

"Just now. Is this seat taken?"

Luna blushed and looked away. "No… you can sit."

"Thanks."

Before the moment could stretch any further, the host stepped onto the stage.

"Good evening, students! Welcome to our Award and Closing Ceremony!"

Cheers erupted.

"Let's give it up for the person who's led our Council with pride for three years—our beloved President Eran Kai!"

The applause roared as Eran took the mic.

"I'm not great at speeches," he admitted, "but I'll have to say this—this was the best festival we've ever had. Even in my previous years as president, I couldn't have dreamed of something this perfect."

He bowed deeply. "So, I Thank you to the Council, the Programming Department, and every Club that made this event unforgettable."

Applause thundered through the room.

"Now comes the tough part," Eran said, smiling. "Only three clubs can take the top spots. But remember—losing teaches more than winning ever will. So no matter your rank, be proud."

The lights dimmed.

A spotlight bathed him in gold.

Air filled with suspense.

"Third Place goes to… The Author's Club!"

Gasps rang out. Luna blinked in disbelief.

"No way," she whispered. "We weren't even supposed to be in the top ten…"

Arsh grinned. "Congrats."

Luna stepped onto the stage with her club. When Eran handed her the mic, she said:

"Honestly, we're just as surprised. We've always been seen as the 'lazy' club… but this festival showed that we do have potential. We just never knew how to show it before, but Thanks to our Council President who saw our potential, we got this award."

Back in her seat, her assistant leaned in.

"Luna, are we dreaming? Third place?"

"Not really," she whispered. "I got two golds and one silver on Game Day. Our trophies were decent, and because of the bear incident, all clubs had to present their records directly to the Council, where no one have to present anything, just few trophy and a speech."

"Oh, and let's not forget we sold three times more at our books than last year—all thanks to Azura…"

"So maybe it was luck after all."

They both giggled quietly.

"Second Place," Eran announced, "goes to… The Technical Club!"

The tech team stormed the stage, grinning. Their president took the mic:

"Thank you, President Eran. We couldn't have done it without your idea for the entrance ceremony collab. This win belongs to all of us."

And then came the moment everyone was waiting for.

Eran paused, his voice building suspense.

"And now… the First Place goes to…"

Silence. Hikari held her breath, crossed the fingers and, and closed her eyes.

"The Star Club!"

The hall exploded in cheers.

Hikari, Arsh, and the other members stepped onto the stage.

"I'm honored," Hikari said, beaming. "This wouldn't be possible without the Council, my team… and most importantly, Azura, our heart."

Eran nodded and added:

"It's not flattery—they earned this. 20+ medals, a mountain of achievements, and over five times the revenue of second place. The Star Club didn't just win. They dominated."

The applause was deafening.

Moments Later – During the Headmaster's Speech

The host returned, hyped as ever.

"Wow! What a speech from President Eran! Now, please welcome our Headmaster to share a few closing words!"

As the Headmaster began speaking, Arsh's face tightened. A red alert flashed across his interface.

"OSAI?"

"Demon army is approaching the city perimeter."

Arsh rose from his seat and whispered to Luna, "I'll be right back."

He vanished and reappeared in a quiet corridor.

"Alert Ainz, Noar, and Sora. Tell the neighboring army to begin quiet evacuations—starting near the college. But don't enter the school until the festival ends. Minimize panic."

"Understood," OSAI replied. "Lady Rose has just landed safely."

Arsh sighed in relief. "Good. Begin preparations. Get Ragnarok and the special weapons ready."

"Yes, sir."

Arsh returned to his seat, his expression unreadable.

The Headmaster smiled.

"And with that, I now officially declare—your summer vacations have begun!"

Laughter and cheers erupted. Just as Arsh prepared to give the final signal—

"Wait, wait!" the host shouted. "One last surprise for you all!"

"To help you relax after all your hard work… the Student Council has arranged a special fireworks show!"

The students cheered even louder, unaware of the danger inching closer.

Arsh and Ainz exchanged a glance, both frozen.

"OSAI…" Arsh said.

"Sir," the OSAI replied gravely, "this scenario is not in our favor. The demon army is approaching fast. What are your orders?"

For the first time in ages—Arsh's face looked truly tense.

TO BE CONTINUED...