Ellen Artorius was also watching the situation unfold.
Worried that people might recognize her, she wore a robe that covered her face and clenched her fists as she observed the events.
However, Ellen was unaware of the spatial teleportation barrier that surrounded her.
There was only one thought in her mind.
Would Reinhardt really appear?
If he did, she had no intention of pretending not to know him.
She had no right to ask him to take her with him. So she couldn't.
Ellen knew she was shouldering too much to simply abandon the people around her.
Knowing that her disappearance alone would already be an enormous sin, she couldn't choose to move past her guilt toward Reinhardt.
She wished she could at least see him from a distance.
That would be enough.
That would be sufficient.
All the while hoping that no one would get hurt in the process.
So, amidst the frenzied crowd, she stood still, watching the execution platform.
Charlotte bowed her head, simply waiting for her death to approach.
Charlotte knew nothing.
She knew nothing of what would happen next.
If she were the one tied up there, would Reinhardt do the same for her?
Though choosing such an option was impossible now that she had become the hope of humanity, she could still fantasize about it.
Because she could still think about it.
Ellen watched Charlotte from afar. If Reinhardt came, Charlotte would be saved and forgiven.
Amidst the deafening screams, the executioners prepared for the execution at a slow pace.
In truth, the act of burning them was more of a show.
None of the three tied up were beings who should die in the flames of burning wood.
They should have been stabbed with a spear, or had their heads chopped off with an axe.
However, if Reinhardt appeared, that wouldn't happen.
The three of them would be rescued.
As the executioners' torches touched the three piles of wood, flames began to rise at a terrifying speed.
“Aaaaaaah!”
“Kill them! Kill them!”
“Kill the demons!”
“Kill the demons!”
Amidst the ear-splitting noise, Ellen could see it.
Someone making their way through the crowd.
Pushing the crowd aside with ease, and walking up to the base of the execution platform.
Thud!
With a single kick, that person blew away the burning pile of wood as if causing an explosion.
And so.
Thud! Thud!
The other three piles of wood were shattered with a single kick each.
Suddenly, the intruder appeared.
As that person removed their robe, a young man with the appearance of a horned demon was revealed.
Although it was her first time seeing him, Ellen knew it was Reinhardt.
"These three are rightfully mine to reclaim..."
The Demon King snapped his fingers.
"I will take them."
Rumble!
Instantly, a ferocious firestorm erupted around the three stakes.
The executioners and the surrounding guards, pale-faced, were forced back by the sudden flames.
"Rein...hardt..."
The...the Demon King!
It's the Demon King!
The Demon King has appeared!
Naturally, the cheers of the people turned into chaos as the unidentified demon made his entrance.
Those who had despised the Demon King and the demons now fled in terror as the real Demon King appeared.
And then.
Screeeeech!
With a fierce sound tearing through the air, dozens of fireballs rained down from the sky, striking the wall of fire.
"What... is this?"
Judging by the direction of the attack, it seemed as if it was not the minions of the Demon King who were responsible, but rather someone targeting the Demon King himself.
-Boom!
The rain of fireballs began to sweep not only those inside the barrier but also the executioners and countless people beyond it.
Ellen stood with her mouth agape, staring at the scene in disbelief.
The Demon King had appeared.
And someone, as if waiting for this very moment, began to attack him.
As if it didn't matter what happened to the crowd gathered at this place.
The panicked people tried to flee from the sudden destruction.
People trampled over each other, tangling and falling.
In an instant, those trying to escape were crushed underfoot by the others.
And then, Ellen saw it.
-Crash!
-Bang!
Breaking through the windows of the surrounding buildings, numerous unidentified individuals clad in black robes rushed towards the scene, not away from it.
"What is... what on earth is this?"
-Rumble!
Ellen watched, horrified, as countless destructive spells rained down, not only beyond the fiery barrier where the Demon King stood, but also mercilessly sweeping away the civilians caught in the crossfire.
-Roar!
Suddenly, the barrier of fire disappeared, revealing Reinhardt within.
Somehow, Reinhardt had managed to rescue all three individuals from the execution platform.
Amidst the chaos, Ellen saw Reinhardt observing the fleeing crowd, those caught in the magical crossfire, and the unidentified attackers.
“The Order... It was you.”
“Yes.”
“We could never have been eternal friends.”
Ellen didn't understand what they were talking about.
However.
Reinhardt handed over the unconscious Charlotte to Sarkegaar.
"You and Sarkegaar should escape first. Their target is most likely me. They'll probably try to kill only me."
“Archdemon, but…”
“Your Highness, we cannot…”
“Go, this is an order.”
Now freed from their bindings, the demon-like figure and the silver-haired girl hesitated. However, they obeyed the weight of the Demon King's command and began to disengage from the battle.
As if they knew they couldn't avoid the fight.
Lightning rained down from the sky, accompanied by falling fireballs.
But it wasn't just magic.
Individuals wielding swords and spears charged at the Demon King, wrapped in blue magical energy.
Their identities were unknown, but they were clearly no ordinary fighters.
"Stop."
Although one of the attackers did not stop at Reinhardt's command, Ellen clearly saw the hesitation in their movement.
-Tsk!
Alsbringer cut the attacker's throat, easily shattering the enhanced defense and barrier provided by their Magic Body Strengthening. A ferocious strike that made use of the war god's relic, which empowered its user the stronger the opponent they faced.
In this very moment, the Demon King could maximize the power of Alsbringer.
He wasn't a Master Class.
Yet, the overwhelming barrage of magical attacks couldn't penetrate the fiery magical barrier that flowed around the Demon King, extending for about two meters.
The sight of such immense magical output was overwhelming.
And his incredible strength.
“Gasp! Aaagh!”
With his right hand, he sliced through both the spear and the spear-wielder at the waist, while with his left fist, he shattered the man who was about to thrust his sword, merely by clashing with the weapon.
A Master Class wouldn't wield their power so brutally.
Instead, they would simply unleash their tremendous output as it was.
The unrefined destructive power it emitted prevented the Demon King from making a single concentrated attack.
Knowing that an unlimited charge would not be enough to pierce the Demon King, the mysterious assailants broke through the fleeing crowd and kept watch over him.
The Demon King looked at the countless dead.
The densely packed crowd had already suffered the deaths of thousands due to the Black Order's magic.
They were dying not by the Demon King's hand, but by the hands of those who sought to kill him.
"If you can kill me, it doesn't matter what happens, right?"
The Black Order didn't respond to the Demon King's murmur.
"Yes, there are many things in the world that cannot be helped."
"Like my own situation."
"Yours too, I suppose."
"I understand."
"I understand completely."
The Demon King walked slowly.
"So, let's kill and be killed by each other, as helpless people do."
The Demon King's eyes bulged with anger.
Roar!
The Demon King charged.
And the Black Order's operatives blocked his path.
—---
Epinhauser saved me, regardless of his affiliation with the Black Order.
So, like Antirianus had warned, I knew that the Order was no longer on my side.
But I never thought they would be willing to kill me at the expense of so many civilian casualties in this situation.
The Black Order.
Though I don't know much about them, they are a group that will endure evil for the sake of justice.
It's laughable, but in the end, they seem like those similar to me, in that they are willing to do what it takes to achieve their goals.
What's important is not arguing about each other's morality.
We are both helpless.
I must save my people.
And the Black Order seeks to remove me, the seed of a massive conflict.
As our helplessness clashes, someone must die.
I cannot be the one to die.
So, I must kill.
Screech!
The opponent's sword, which had clashed with my Alsbringer, wobbled heavily.
Clang!
"!"
I tried to reach out and choke my opponent’s neck in the gap, but a sudden chain of magical energy wrapped around my left arm.
Whether it was another attacker's magic or not, the chain of magical energy gripped my arm and refused to let go.
The attacker who had wobbled heavily from my strike lunged forward to pierce my throat.
Squelch!
The opponent’s blade, stopped by my Magic Body Strengthening defense, failed to penetrate my neck.
"Gasp!"
Crash!
As I pulled my left arm hard, the magical chain shattered, unable to withstand my strength.
Most of the enemies specialized in close combat, could strengthen themselves with Magic Body Strengthening, and even knew how to use spells.
Close combat experts, mages, and even magic swordsmen.
Of course, it had to be this way, but the Black Order was a group of insane monsters.
As soon as I appeared, it was clear they were determined to kill me.
There were not only those who simply fought in close combat, but also those who sniped from a distance.
The square was still filled with people.
Many were trying to escape, but the crowd was so packed that they couldn't.
The number of people dying under the Black Order's magic was far exceeded by those who were crushed by the panicked crowd.
Among them were not only those who could merely strengthen themselves with Magic Body Strengthening but also master-class fighters.
I already knew that the Black Order was not a group made up solely of mages, thanks to the case with Master Epinhauser.
There were those who watched me from afar, waiting for the most crucial moment.
Having lured me into a war of attrition by sending their pawns, they must be waiting for a clear opening to strike or cut me down.
Attacking with weapons imbued with aura would be the most certain method.
Since they know they can't penetrate my Magic Body Strengthening barrier with destructive spells, they seemed to be trying a different approach.
Whump!
Suddenly, vines sprouted from the ground, wrapping around my arms and legs at an incredible speed.
And from those vines, countless insects crawled out, covering my body.
Black Order.
They had many forbidden techniques.
Just seeing them in action was revolting.
"Burn."
I didn't know what kind of insects these were, but I had no intention of letting them burrow into my body.
Roar!
The flame of Tuesday burst into light, pouring out ferocious heat.
The vines and insects enveloping my body turned into black ashes and disappeared in an instant.
I don't need to kill them all.
All I need to do is escape the square. I don't know what Antirianus is up to, but as long as I confirm that Lucinil, Sarkegaar, and Charlotte safely escape, I can leave my position.
Of course, they're watching me from all directions, and the Order is not using their full power right now.
It was clear that they were trying to gauge my strength.
They were just watching, waiting for a sure opportunity to kill me.
Long-range support was a certainty.
Thwack! Thwack!
Bats flew all around, tearing apart and killing the magicians who were attacking me from a distance, turning them into bloody messes. I could clearly see it all.
That old hag Antirianus. I didn't know he could use a technique similar to cloning.
Fortunately, the magicians attacking from a distance were too distracted by Antirianus.
People were fleeing, but they were clearly watching the spectacle.
That's why the Empire can't help me, and they shouldn't.
I have to get out of here on my own.
Still, something is strange.
I quietly watch those keeping their distance.
There were a few of them who were certainly at the Master Class level, and while it's not certain, there should also be some on par with Archmages.
The magicians who wouldn't easily fall for Antirianus were waging a guerrilla war.
"But why are you only this strong?"
But why is the Black Order only this strong?
It's true that they have considerable power, and many things are difficult for me to handle alone.
But if their goal is to kill me, it means that the Black Order's power must be concentrated in this place.
While they are certainly not to be taken lightly,
Considering what I had imagined to be the Black Order's elite, they were too shabby.
"The Empire and you weren't the only ones dealing with the Gate incident on your own."
Someone who had been watching me from a distance walked towards me.
"That's it."
The Black Order only appeared once in the original story, and there was no mention of them afterward.
That means they must have been dealing with the Gate incident and monsters in the background of the story.
Two years after the Gate incident.
The Black Order must have fought and fought to deal with the Gate incident themselves.
In doing so, they naturally weakened.
Losing their warriors one after another.
It's true that they have considerable power, but to gather this much to eliminate me, the most crucial seed of conflict, is not enough.
The Black Order was waiting for me at a location where they could predict I would have no choice but to come.
The person walking towards me removed his hood and revealed his face.
Naturally, it was a middle-aged man I had never seen before.
I couldn't tell his actual age just by looking at him.
Although he was middle-aged, his white, grizzled hair made it difficult to guess his age.
As he approached me, the other members of the Black Order who had been confronting me began to slowly retreat.
This suggested the approaching man's rank to some extent.
"Are you the leader of the Order?"
He shook his head while looking at me intently.
"Well... I wouldn't quite call myself the leader. The Order is traditionally governed by a council of the highest-ranking members."
I couldn't read anything from his eyes.
"However, now that all the top-ranking members have died, except for me... I suppose the term 'leader' isn't entirely inaccurate."
He spoke, holding his sword at the ready.
"Archdemon, how about you die here for the sake of humanity?"
"…You want me to die?"
The middle-aged man nodded in response to my question.
"I know that you love humanity, no, all beings, deeply and profoundly."
"That's why Epinhauser, who had been watching you the longest, died for your sake."
"Because he knew you."
"Because he knew your love, he had no choice but to do so."
"You know that with your death, humanity can achieve a great deal."
"Overcome mutual distrust."
"Overflowing despair."
"The current situation where humanity is seeking a scapegoat to overcome its despair."
"While I can't say that everything will be overcome, this phenomenon of humans seeking human scapegoats other than the Demon King due to insatiable desires for revenge will cease."
"But if you die, humanity will gain hope."
"Of course, we know that hope doesn't hold much value."
"We are not ignorant of the fact that nothing can be accomplished through futile hope."
"However, we can't live without hope either."
"You are a symbol of hatred and despair."
"Look."
The man pointed at the terrified crowd, trampling and killing each other.
"Sadly, your existence is causing despair and fear."
"…"
"No matter what you think of humans, they only see fear and despair in you."
"…"
"When you reveal yourself, you cause panic in humans due to fear and despair; when you don't, vengeful and hateful humans fall into panic."
The fact that very few people understood my intentions.
I couldn't deny it.
I am merely a symbol of hatred, despair, and pain.
My existence is nothing more than a symbol of fear for humanity, an enemy that must be eliminated.
Visible to people.
Or invisible.
The driving force behind emotions may differ, but I only drive people mad.
"You love humans, but you don't trust them."
"You probably don't think that the deep misunderstanding, which seems impossible to resolve, can be resolved in a beautiful way. Otherwise, you wouldn't have entered the temple while hiding your appearance."
"Like how our forces have dwindled as a result of us trying to handle the situation in our own way, you must have tried to handle this situation in your own way as well. Moreover, you must have come here to save those who couldn't trust you."
"The situation hasn't been completely resolved, but what happens after it is resolved is my concern."
"Sooner or later, there will be a war."
In a situation where these wounds have not yet healed, the humans insisted that they must vanquish the Demon King, the root cause of this calamity.
"Even if you don't want it, even if the Empire doesn't want it, even if the Emperor doesn't want it."
"War is inevitable, I can feel it."
"People would rather hope for the death of the Demon King than to kill the monsters roaming the continent."
"Today, you tried to save Charlotte de Gardias."
"I believe that to be a great love and understanding."
"Oh, Demon King."
"So, can you not die now?"
"Before more blood is shed."
"Before more despair and sadness consume the world."
"With your death, save humanity."
"Please."
Regardless of what stood in my way, it was clear that he admired my existence.
Regardless of my intentions, my very existence is already a disaster.
Thus, he said that if it were for the sake of humanity, I should die here and now.
I knew that a war might break out after the Gate incident was resolved.
The Gate incident is the ending of the original story.
But after that, a war will break out. A war because of me.
Here and now, if I die in front of the countless humans watching, there will be no war.
People will cheer at the news of the Demon King's death.
Starting with the Five Great Faiths, the witch hunt for scapegoats related to the Demon King and his forces will no longer continue.
It doesn't matter what I want.
In life, I bring only despair, fear, and hatred.
In death, I can save many.
So, he said to die here, before more sacrifices are made.
He asked me to die, showing respect.
"What's your name?"
At my question, the middle-aged man lowered his head.
"I cannot tell you. A vile being like me has no right to say my name to a great existence like you."
I could feel that he respected me immensely, despite our age difference.
Regardless, he stood in my way because I had to die.
"However, we are the Black Order."
"If we must commit evil to do good, then we are the ones to do it."
"We won't justify it. We have no interest in that."
"With our evil act of killing you, we only seek to perform the good of saving humanity."
A sophistry, perhaps.
But I didn't particularly want to argue.
Everyone has their own justice they believe in.
That justice is their own sophistry. The man in front of me simply stood before me because he lived for it.
"If my death means fewer people die, that's certainly true."
Yes, that could be justice.
That could be good.
I may have to die.
There may be more I can achieve in death than in life.
From the start, if I had died and disappeared, none of this would have happened.
As long as the world's malice is directed at me, the more I struggle to do something, the more it may turn into a greater tragedy and disaster that stands in my way.
But still.
"I want to say this, though."
I put more strength into the hand gripping my Alsbringer.
"I want to live."
I want to live.
Somehow, by gritting my teeth and living.
Not a life that is fulfilled in death.
Not succumbing to resignation and despair.
"I will save them, alive."
Definitely.
Alive.
Not in death.
"Whatever it is that I need to save."
I will prove that I can achieve something through life.
"Alive."
I don't want to feel relief in death.
"Alive, I want to see with my own eyes what I have saved and what remains."
Even if the path I must take in life is a thorny road of despair, I want to live.
"I will see it with my own eyes."
I want to find happiness while living.
Alive.
Though I might not be able to recover all that has been broken.
I want to mend the relationships I can, somehow.
I want to be happy.
I know it's foolish and miserable to dream of such a thing at this moment when the world has fallen into ruin and so much has been destroyed.
But I still want to be happy, I genuinely think so.
Dreaming of that can't be wrong, can it?
No, could it be wrong?
It might be wrong for a being like me to wish for such a thing.
Yet still.
I wish for it.
Upon hearing my words, the middle-aged man looked at me and nodded.
"Yes. So it is."
He aimed his sword at me, and the blade was engulfed in blue magical flames.
An unknown black energy swirled around his empty left hand.
"I will remember you."
As if he would remember how great a being I was for the rest of his life.
"If I die, will you remember me too?"
The leader of the Black Order left those words behind as he pointed his drawn sword at me.
"That much, I can do."
To the first enemy who tries to kill me not with hatred but with respect.
That much I can do, can't I?
At my words, the nameless middle-aged man smiled.
"Neither the strongest nor the most wicked nor the most ominous."
"The best Demon King."
"I pay my respects to you."
There was no more conversation after that.
