Volume 11 Chapter 12 Flashy Diversion And Quiet Mission
The plan was like this.
Even if we're invading, it's still risky to go all out in battle. First, we'll use money to gather Demons and see the strength of the Demon King’s army. In other words, we’ll be using Sur's family’s power."
When I said that, Sur nodded and replied, "Yes. I also recommend taking a look at them first."
It was right after Toxy came back.
In the tavern on the first floor of the inn, while having dinner, I casually talked about our plans with the friends who were there.
Sur started talking in detail about his family.
"My family is one of the most powerful demons in this hell. I heard that now, they all can use Domain Control. It’s going to be a tough fight."
Everyone knew firsthand how terrifying Domain Control was. If possible, we wanted more information.
Since our group consists of humans, we couldn’t directly take the hit and survive to bring back information. But we could get demons to take the hit and gather information for us.
After all, we had money. Lots of it. We had already completely taken control of the Merchant Guild.
At the same time, Toxy will gather information. The target is the top of the circus, a demon called 'Leader Chiero.'"
"The circus has a top leader."
When I said that, Toxy murmured in surprise.
"Yeah, apparently there is. The demon group Klainatzirks from the circus, which I mentioned briefly before, told me. It seems to be the father of their leader, Kyrie."
"Father, huh..."
Toxy seems to have something on her mind with that grim expression. Well, it's not like I don't have my concerns too. She's currently locked up.
I laid out the plan, so let's organize it in detail once again.
"Our next target is the downfall of the circus. The protective tower at the circus is now controlled by the circus master, not the Demon King's army. Taking down the circus will lead to the fall of the protective tower."
That's our current objective. An intermediate goal on our way to defeating the Demon King.
"But I've heard that the Demon King's army has started to be on alert. There are also reports that their permanent presence in the bazaars and slums has ceased. They're probably planning to allocate more personnel to protect the remaining towers."
"Ah, that's correct. I often hear such inside the Demon King's army too."
I nod in response to Toxy's addition.
"So, this time it's a show of force reconnaissance. We'll stage a show of force against the Demon King's army to distract them from the circus. Meanwhile, we’ll extract information about leader Chiero."
The circus has many unknowns. If the Demon King's army gets involved, it could lead to unforeseen complications.
We’ll scatter them with the show of force reconnaissance. Let them focus on defending the 4 towers of the Demon King's army, not the circus.
At the same time, the Demon King's army has information about the circus. Unlike us, leader Chiero isn’t surrounding the protective tower in a way that repels the Demon King's army. That's why we'll extract it.
"Got it. Is there any specific information you want?"
To Toxy’s question, I answer.
"'Leader Chiero's location and how to contact him.' The information we want about the circus this time is just that."
"Ah, so the 'Ringmaster', who controls the entire circus, is unknown, huh?"
"Yeah. We need to find a sure way to meet and turn Kyrie, the leader of the Klainatzirks, into an ally, and have them defeat the Ringmaster, Chiero."
I clear my throat and continue to discuss the Klainatzirks.
"It's a bit late in the explanation, but this time, as our allies, a trio of demons called the Klainatzirks have agreed to help us."
"Those are the demons you mentioned briefly before, right? Can we trust them?"
"I've been saved by them once, and besides... I don't think they have any direct benefit from trapping us, ignoring their personality, they don’t really have a motive."
"I kinda get it. It's not that they're trustworthy character-wise, but I understand their nature, so it seems we can cooperate with them this time."
"Exactly. This time, we’re going to take down the circus together. Likely, we couldn't do it without the help of those 3."
Kyrie has the permission to act independently from his father, the Ringmaster Chiero, under Domain Control. Due to the nature of it, Kyrie can’t move freely in the circus unless he accompanies us.
"Also, even Kyrie themselves doesn't know where Ringmaster Chiero is. That’s why we’re counting on you to extract this information, Toxy."
This is the entire overview of our current operation.
First Phase. Reconnaissance of the Demon King’s forces and gathering information by Toxy.
Second Phase. Based on the information about the whereabouts of the Ringmaster, join forces with the Klainatzirks to strike.
With this 2-phased strategy, we're going to take down the circus. Defeat the protective tower and use it as a foothold for a direct invasion of the Demon King's forces.
"So I'm planning to go like that, Toxy, can you make it?"
"Yeah. Leave it to me."
Toxy nods with a smile. She's a godsend, Toxy is. No need to worry, really.
"Okay, Clay. I'm leaving the strategy for tomorrow's power scouting to you."
"Got it. Though, it's not that complicated. I already have contacts with capable demons through the merchant guild, we just need to give them extra money and have a large group attack."
"What about the demons in Bael's territory?"
"They've been around for a while too. The guild has information on the usable demons, and if they get caught or something, well, they're not usable."
I look serious. I can't help but think how harsh Nilfheim is. We started from the same point...
"But well, I've been gathering information on my end primarily. We're set to secure about 7 hundred people from the Bael territory demons."
So 3 hundred are no good then. Wow, that’s like 30 percent gone.
"Understood. Including everything, it seems best to leave it all to Clay."
"I'm on it."
Clay shrugs his shoulders. He’s reliable, not just in terms of fighting force.
Then Sandra raises her hand.
"So, what am I supposed to do? Can I just go wild?"
"Listen to the plan, Sandra."
"Give it a break, Toxy, give."
Sandra, being casual, gets scolded by Toxy.
"Hahaha. Like I said earlier, going all out is too risky. We can’t just rampage this time."
"Shucks... So I do nothing? That would be boring."
Sandra complains as Toxy pinches her cheek. I chuckle and nod, "Yeah, that's true."
"Indeed, it's not very creative to leave half the team idle. So, how about those who want to join the other demons and gather some intel in a preliminary skirmish?"
Sandra leans forward eagerly at my suggestion, "I'm in."
That was the plan from the start. We can't go all out, but blending into the crowd and fighting lightly can yield valuable information. It's in the field where we can gain the most.
This way, we'll have an advantage in the next major clash. It's a precautionary measure.
It might seem overly cautious, but... I don't want to take risks, especially with my family involved.
"Alright, let's see who wants to join. Raise your hands."
As I raise my hand, a few others do the same.
Sandra, Mudi, Renril, and Mung.
"...Quite the unusual lineup."
My party members are few, but it makes sense.
"Ice and Clay won't be on action, right?"
"Yeah...! Showing the ice soldiers isn't a good idea yet..."
"Since I'm technically the client, I'll be taking command. So, I thought it would be good to get advice from Ice-san."
These 2 seem to be in charge of the command structure. Toxy is on infiltration duty.
"Philia and Sur will accompany Toxy."
"Yes. Even if we're spotted, I can provide an excuse."
"Causing a ruckus is fine, but since we have the right to go inside, let's enjoy this instead♪"
They're a friendly medical team. It's best to leave this to them.
"Renril and Mung... yeah, you guys should be fine. Especially since you're demons, you can gather information even if you die in Domain Control. I'm counting on you."
"Got it. We'll make sure not to stand out too much."
"I've been feeling pretty good lately. I'm gonna have some fun."
I nod at Renril and Mung's words. They’ve gotten stronger after eating live prey. There are plenty of other demons, so they won't stand out too much. It's a good place to test their strength.
"Rollo, well, you would be reckless..."
"I'm just getting in Ice-sama and Clay-sama's way~♡"
"Cut it out."
Ice and Clay both smile wryly at Rollo's joke. Well, as long as Ice is there, Rollo won't go too wild.
Then Mudi speaks up.
"Hey, don't you have anything to ask me?"
"Of course not, you lousy master. Don't interrupt."
"That's no way to talk to your master, you idiot apprentice!"
Mudi and I argue for a couple of seconds. We both knock each other out with a cross-counter.
Standing up on shaky legs, I gather everyone together.
"Alright, let's go with that plan... It's just a reconnaissance mission. The important thing is for Toxy to gather information, the rest of us are just there for backup. Have fun but don't mess up."
'Roger that.'
Everyone responds in unison. We're almost ready.
"Alright, tomorrow we attack the Demon King's army. I know you're excited, but everyone, make sure to get to bed early tonight."
Everyone laughs at my light-hearted comment.
* * *
That night, Ice had a dream.
It was a banquet. Powerful beings were drinking, eating, and laughing heartily at the grand feast.
The ones gathered there were gods. The gods from Norse mythology.
The gods were all praising each other, as if they were a family that had never been torn apart by danger.
But when one of them started getting praised, someone else would suddenly appear and kill them.
This person would swing their sword and kill them as if it was nothing.
Of course, the gods were furious and banished this person. But they managed to sneak back into the party and started insulting the gods.
This person, named Loki, used clever words to convince the main god, Odin, to let them stay. They mocked Odin's son, calling him a coward, and insulted his wife's infidelity. They criticized anyone who tried to interrupt them, accusing them of being unfaithful. They listed all the gods' sins and shames, and laughed at them.
But when someone mentioned Loki's own child, a wolf that was being held captive, Loki became flustered. And from that point on, they became even more aggressive, insulting the gods even more.
Loki's name is known as the evil god who had three children taken away and was denied revenge in the name of justice.
After the argument, Loki was captured and lost their freedom, just like their children.
This will continue until the day of the gods' downfall...
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