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While returning, Ragal contemplated.
First, Kelliark Zipfel was not an opponent he could handle. Despite gathering all the miasma of the extreme poison land, he wasn't even able to give him a single scratch. No matter how many times they fought, the result would likely be the same.
Even if Kelliark only focused on defense and didn't counterattack, Ragal was certain that he would be the one to fall first.
However, he couldn't inform Zito of his battle with Kelliark.
'It is true that Lord Zito cares for me... but Lord Zito told me to take care of him like a plant, what if he got seriously injured or even killed? Then Lord Zito would have bitten me to death. If I had won... would things have been different?'
Ragal soon came to the conclusion that it wouldn't have.
'Given the circumstances, there is a high possibility that Kelliark has a strong connection to the witch, so even mentioning this issue to Lord Zito would be a foolish move. If, by any chance, the witch cares for this human and shows signs of anger, Lord Zito will surely kill me. Damn it, what was I thinking when I attacked this guy? Even if I had won, the consequences would have been unbearable.'
Therefore, informing Zito about the battle with Kelliark only resulted in death or, at best, death after torture.
Seeking help from other Demon Kings posed many problems as well.
In Ragal's view, most Demon Kings wouldn't be able to defeat Kelliark. What was needed were Demon Kings like the True Demon World's first sword, Paellito, or those of similar caliber.
'Paellito... I can't ask that bastard for help. I'd rather die. Besides, I managed to steal some of Runcandels without him noticing. Normally, I could easily escape punishment, but not this time. Since Lord Zito won't protect me.'
Among the top-tier powerhouses aside from Paellito, there were Demon Kings who could certainly lend a hand if Ragal asked.
However, if they were defeated by Kelliark as well? What if the strongest forces that will fight for Zito in the future are reduced to ashes before they even get to the human world.
The responsibility lay entirely on Ragal.
By the time he arrived at the gate, Ragal had accepted the fact that his life was no longer in his own hands. It was a bitter realization, but it was now in Kelliark's hand.
Ragal wasn't the type to dwell on regrets in moments like these. He simply kept moving forward, no matter the circumstances.
"Kelliark."
"Speak."
"Why did you spare me?"
"You survived for 10 seconds; that's why I spared you."
"No, besides that... there must be a reason."
"You seem to have organized your thoughts while walking. As I said before, I actually had no intention of using you. But you started a fight for no reason and things ended up like this, so what can we do? We both have to find a way out of this."
"Is it really someone else who stole the souls of Runcandel, not you?"
"When I think back to the day I came here, I recall what Zito said to you. He mentioned that you had a lot of questions. Maybe that's why."
"Ah, come on. Aren't we supposed to be some kind of fate-bound friends now? If I die and Lord Zito or Paellito hear about this, won't you be in trouble too? No?"
"Indeed, as Zito said, you have a cute side. Unfortunately, no. You'll be the one to perish. However, I'll make sure to let you know as compensation. Yes, I did."
"Geez, so you're just using me!"
"Everyone has their own perspective. Is that a problem?"
"Well, I suppose the strong can toy with the weak. What do you intend to do with those souls of Runcandel? Even if you're extraordinary, you can't control them without our demon's abilities. My kids have completed all adjustments and conversion, so they can't be controlled without our abilities. Moreover, they were nothing special even when they were alive, just some insignificant guys."
"I thought the same. However, it seems that their blood is quite important."
Ragal assumed that Kelliark was referring to the lineage of Runcandel.
But what Kelliark meant by "blood" was the bloodline of "Ganesto."
"Are you saying that these guys have value as hostages? Would someone like White Whale or Jin Runcandel suffer any blows?"
"I don't know about the White Whale, but Jin Runcandel, definitely not."
"Well, it doesn't really matter since the person I was trying to catch with them was White Whale, not Jin Runcandel. Friend Kelliark, are you pursuing the same goal? Well, you were originally rivals with Runcandel during your prime, so maybe."
"Ragal."
"What?"
"While we had a brief fight, the extreme poison land is still sealed, right?"
"That's right. When I gave the order, all areas will be closed within a minute. Moreover, anyone from the other territories inside the extreme poison land would be dead due to my miasma."
"Can you selectively target and kill with your wide-range mass slaughter abilities? What are your abilities?"
"It's something like that."
"It seems your abilities have value. This is the reason why my ancestor lost to you. You might have more potential than I thought."
"Though I became a Demon King and received the title of 'Demon' not too long ago... But now I'm in a position where I have to be your follower, huh?"
"I mentioned it would be for your benefit. Anyway, I'm relieved to hear that the seal has been properly implemented. Ragal, there's a spy."
"...What? A spy? Who sent them?"
Ragal was taken aback by the unexpected news.
"It seems to be Visepps. They're probably the only ones in the True Demon World who could send a spy to you. It was one of the guards of the prison, responsible for managing the prison just above the lower levels."
"What? Really? How did you find out?"
"It's called insight."
"...Insight? The kind of insight where you can tell just by looking at someone's face whether they're a spy or not? Isn't that something only immortals possess?"
"But it seems Zito doesn't have that level of insight."
"Well, you never knew Kelliark Zipfel. While you call him 'Zito' here, someone might be overhearing this from somewhere else. Maybe he's just indulging you because he finds your antics amusing. Do you think Lord Zito captured so many demons and Demon Kings purely by luck?"
"If Zito had that kind of ability, it would be even more advantageous for me."
Ragal couldn't fully comprehend Kelliark's words. He only recalled the fact that this fearless human might actually be the witch.
"Well, let's assume there's a spy. The reason you asked me about sealing the Extreme Poison land was, of course, to catch that spy and get rid of it, right?"
"I told you to use your head, Ragal."
"But we shouldn't torture them!"
"I asked about it because, in case the spy escaped, it would be wise to find them. However, since the Extreme Poison land is sealed, there is no way he could have escaped. So the spy will definitely return and resume their duties as a guard. We'll keep providing them with suitable information."
"Is there any kind of information that can be given to Visepps?"
"Naturally, I assume that Visepps hopes to inflict a significant blow to Zito and the True Demon World in this war. To do that, they need the help of the human world."
"... Oh! Visepps has already allied with the factions within the human world, especially with Runcandel. So, can we pass on the information about our prisoners to Runcandel? That we are going to use them to capture Luna?"
"Your words now are exactly what someone with a head might say. Of course, I'm not entirely sure if Visepps has truly allied with Runcandel yet. It's just an assumption."
"Oh, so let's give Visepps information about the day when the prisoners will be used and check if White Whale comes out. If White Whale appears on the battlefield where the prisoners are, it means Visepps hasn't allied with Runcandel. If it's Jin Runcandel or someone else who comes out, then it means they have allied, right?"
Kelliark was genuinely surprised by Ragal's answer.
"Well, that's brilliant... Why have you been acting like a fool despite having such a mind?"
"Hehe. But we don't have those prisoners."
"...Have you become a fool again? You only provide the information to the spy, and I'll handle the rest."
"Understood. In any case, I have grasped it now. If Visepps and his gang have truly allied with Runcandel... What's next? How should we deal with it?"
"That's something we'll have to plan step by step. First, let's go in and inform your subordinates about the situation. You were curious about my skills, so we fought to check, and you easily defected me. My magic was large scale, and it caused significant damage to the extreme poison land, but it won't affect you."
"I think it would be a good idea to at least pretend that I won. Maybe I should make a few holes in your body. Or perhaps cut one of your arms? Break your staff or something?"
"If you want, go ahead. Just remember that I might unintentionally retaliate."
"Nah, I'll just say I won. Besides, what do those underlings care about? Everyone who saw me lose is already dead, so there shouldn't be any issues."
"Let's announce that we've captured the prisoners again tomorrow morning. Disguise them thoroughly so that the spy doesn't suspect a thing. Fill the lower prisons as well."
"Yes, yes, let's do that. But Kelliark, how did you manage to secure them? Is it some kind of witch's ability, or do you have another skilled individual on your side?"
Kelliark stopped walking and looked at Ragal.
"Now that I think about it, you're still quite naive in your words, aren't you?"
"Well, I can be more eloquent if you want. I used to be... No, until just earlier, I was quite famous for my eloquence."
"That's not what I meant."
"We're friends, right?"
Kelliark let out a soft laugh.
"Yeah, I suppose we are friends. So, it's your turn to tell me what you want."
Ragal's pupils dilated.
"Can you do more than just spare my life and save face? I'm so moved I could cry!"
"Go on. If it's a reasonable request, I'll consider it."
Ragal didn't hesitate for a moment.
"Paellito Belgasyum. I want to surpass that bastard and become the best in the True Demon World. I want to put him in a position where he can barely survive by licking my feet. If you can make that happen, I'll genuinely show you friendship, no matter what my friend gets up to."
Kelliark chuckled and conjured a fire seal in the palm of his hand.
"I swear on my name and the fire, I will definitely make it happen."
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