Ryuu wiped the blood from the corner of Nia's lips, his fingers lingering as he lifted her chin slightly—just as he had done with Galadriel.
With a smirk, he leaned in and pressed his lips against hers, sealing the pact with a demonic seed.
Satisfied, Ryuu pulled away, observing the faint red glow in Nia's eyes, a sign that the contract was complete.
Standing off to the side, Artoria watched in silence, her expression unreadable. But the slight furrow of her brows and the way she shifted on her feet did not escape Ryuu's notice.
He turned, catching a glimpse of her hesitance and subtle envy. He chuckled inwardly.
"You're still thinking about that, Saber?" Ryuu asked, walking toward her.
Artoria stiffened, her hands clenching into fists. "I—I'm not thinking about anything, Master."
Her response was unconvincing.
With a knowing smile, Ryuu reached out and placed a hand on her head, ruffling her golden hair gently.
"Don't overthink it. You're irreplaceable," he said softly.
Artoria's face turned scarlet, and she immediately lowered her head. "M-Master… that's…"
Satisfied with her reaction, Ryuu turned his attention back to Nia, who had been watching the scene unfold with keen interest.
"The rest, I trust you to handle," he said.
"I understand, my lord. Within a day, the entire continent will know that the Night Elves have sworn allegiance to the Demon King," Nia replied with unwavering conviction.
"Good. Once you're done here, move into the Demon King's Castle as well," Ryuu instructed.
Nia bowed deeply. "Yes, Lord Demon King."
Turning to Artoria, Ryuu motioned for her to follow, but she was still dazed, lost in thought.
Sighing, Ryuu flicked her forehead lightly.
"Saber, are you coming, or do you plan on staying here lost in your daydreams?"
"Ah! No! Master, I'm coming!" Artoria snapped back to reality and quickly rushed to his side, as if afraid he would leave her behind.
With a smirk, Ryuu activated his Kamui, distorting space and pulling them both into his dimensional rift.
Nia, left behind, stared in shock at the spot where Ryuu had disappeared.
"So he can use space-time magic at that level…" she muttered.
A bead of sweat rolled down her temple. This confirmed what she had already suspected—defying him was not an option.
...
Days after the Forest Elves pledged allegiance to the Demon King, the Night Elves made their own announcement.
For the first time in millennia, the two elven factions had merged—both under the banner of Demon King Ryuu.
With this, Ryuu's dominion expanded, now encompassing nearly one-third of the continent.
The news sent shockwaves across the land.
Nations that had long viewed the elves as divided and weak were left reeling. Throughout history, countless rulers and warlords had tried to unite the elven clans, only to fail.
Yet, Ryuu had accomplished this effortlessly.
Fear spread.
From the southern empire of humanity to the vampire-ruled western lands, from the northern beastmen tribes to the dwarves of Rune, whispers of the Demon King's rise grew louder.
Among them, the dwarves were especially panicked.
The war between the Night Elves and the dwarves had only recently ended, and now the elves stood united—under the Demon King's command.
Would the dwarves be next?
###
Meanwhile, in a slum on the outskirts of Rune Kingdom, Nitta Haruto hid.
Separated from Sayuri during their escape, abandoned by the goddess, and stripped of his honor, Haruto had no choice but to flee to the dwarven kingdom.
The dwarves, though wary of outsiders, did not turn him away completely. Instead, like all refugees, he was thrown into the slums.
For days, Haruto had been gathering information, desperate to learn of Ryuu's movements.
When he heard that the elves had fallen…
His fists clenched.
His teeth ground together.
How?! How could Ryuu have conquered them so quickly?!
The deaths of Ellie and Kova haunted him.
His hatred for Ryuu burned brighter than ever.
He swore revenge.
"Damn you, Ryuu… When I get my hands on that holy sword, I swear I'll kill you myself!"
Haruto had come to Rune for one reason:
To steal the legendary dwarven holy sword.
Forged by the first dwarven king, reforged over a hundred times by his descendants, each king had inscribed new runes of power onto its blade.
Over a thousand years of craftsmanship and magic had turned it into a divine weapon beyond compare.
With such a sword, even a Demon King would not stand a chance.
Or so Haruto believed.
Many nations coveted this blade, but none dared to make a move, fearing war.
Only someone reckless enough—like an elf leading a guerrilla war—had ever dared to challenge the dwarves for it.
But Haruto?
He would take it.
And then, he would kill Ryuu.
###
Back at the Demon King's Castle
Unaware—or perhaps just unconcerned—about Haruto's schemes, Ryuu had already returned to his castle.
He had other matters to deal with.
Such as his next summoning.
But first, there was the issue of his subordinates.
Ryuu sat in his throne room, staring at the three women before him.
"Listen carefully," he began. "I'm leaving for a while. It could be days, or it could be months."
"You three are in charge while I'm gone. Don't cause trouble. Understood?"
Galadriel and Artoria nodded.
Nia, however…
"Yes, Lord Demon King, I understand!" she declared cheerfully—a little too cheerfully.
Ryuu narrowed his eyes.
This woman had been using his name to intimidate other races, spreading fear across the continent.
Not that he minded. Fear was useful.
But she was too reckless.
"Saber," Ryuu said flatly. "If Nia steps out of line, hit her with Excalibur Morgan."
Artoria placed a hand over her chest and bowed. "Yes, Master."
"Ehhh? Lord Ryuu, what did I do?!" Nia pouted.
Ignoring her, Ryuu turned to Galadriel. Of the three, she was the most trustworthy.
With a nod, he spoke.
"Keep an eye on them."
Galadriel smiled gently. "Of course, my lord."
Satisfied, Ryuu stretched his limbs.
"Alright, then. Time to go."
The three women bowed.
"Safe travels, my lord," Galadriel said.
"We will await your return," Artoria added.
"Don't forget about me!" Nia called out, waving dramatically.
With a smirk, Ryuu activated Kamui, and in an instant—
He vanished.
His next adventure had begun.
=====
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