Demon King of the Royal Class-Chapter 624 [Illustration]

Somewhere on the continent, in a city reduced to ruins...

Along a desolate street of this forsaken place stood a few figures shrouded in robes.

“The Immortals have already been deployed to the front lines. The Allied Forces will soon advance, and we must join them,” Cristina said, her voice steady beneath her black robe, addressing the others similarly cloaked.

“Is the recall device operating smoothly?” a figure asked.

“We’ve confirmed its functionality after several tests. Even with a high loss rate, it shouldn’t pose a significant problem,” Cristina replied.

“Excellent.”

The figures in black robes nodded at Cristina.

“We did not have the luxury of time, but you’ve done well so far.”

Cristina acknowledged their praise with a nod.

“So, what’s next?” she asked.

“Next, you say...”

The figures paused, considering her question.

“It’s absurd to discuss this before the Gate Incident is even resolved, but we need to talk about it now, don’t we?” Cristina pressed.

The black-robed figures kept their silence.

What would be done after the Gate Incident?

Finally, one of the figures in black robes spoke. “The Empire has reached its end.”

The Empire, burdened by countless atrocities, had already lost its moral standing and legitimacy. It could cling to power for the moment because the situation gave it the justification it needed, but once the Gate Incident was resolved, the people would demand accountability.

“To survive, the Empire must find a new reason to exist.”

“Would that be the Demon King?”

“Yes.”

The Empire’s survival hinged on the absolute justification that the Gate Incident provided. Once that was gone, it would need a new cause. It would seek the justification of defeating the Demon King, the root of all these events.

“That was the reason the Empire first gave for uniting all of humanity. There’s no reason for them not to use it again.”

The Empire had been able to unite all of humanity a long time ago because of the threat posed by the Dark Land and the Demon King.

Whenever any faction tried to sow division or discord, the Empire would pose the same question: how could humanity fight among themselves when the Demon King still existed? There was no argument stronger than that.

The creation and preservation of the Empire were both entirely due to the Demon King’s existence. Once the Gate Incident concluded, the Empire could simply fall back on that old justification.

“But the ruler of that Empire does not have to come from the Gradias Imperial Family. The past mistakes of the Empire can disappear with the Gradias dynasty, paving the way for a new Empire to rise.”

The Empire was essential for the unity of humanity. However, those at its helm could always change.

Cristina quietly considered the speaker in the black robe.

“Given what you just said about maintaining the Empire by using the Demon King as a justification, it sounds like you haven’t considered the Demon King as a potential candidate to rule?”

The discussion revolved around uniting humanity against a common enemy, and that enemy was the Demon King. Clearly, the person in the black robe was not open to the idea of the Demon King becoming the next ruler of the Empire.

“That’s obvious. Most people would never accept the Demon King as their ruler. It would lead to chaos far worse than what we’re dealing with now.”

“Hmm... I see. So it’s more about how people perceive the Demon King than any actual wrongdoing on his part...”

Cristina nodded slowly, a meaningful smile playing on her lips. “Then who should be the next ruler of the Empire? Surely not you guys, right?” she asked.

“Of course not. Our guiding principle is to remain in the shadows.”

Though their numbers had dwindled, their resolve was unwavering, and they showed no intention of abandoning their core principles.

“That’s what puzzles me. Even though you’ve suffered a setback, the Order’s knowledge and magic endure. You helped create the Immortals. Why must you operate solely from the shadows?”

“There are tasks that can only be accomplished from the shadows, and we were formed to handle those very tasks.”

Their guiding principle was to serve humanity. For the sake of that cause, the Black Order was even willing to turn against parts of humanity. If they ever stepped into the light, their purpose would vanish. So, they worked in the shadows, doing what only they could.

“There aren’t many who could ascend as the next ruler of the Empire. The ideal candidate must be somewhat detached from the Empire, have played a significant role in resolving the Gate Incident, and possess the character befitting a leader of humanity.”

The black-robed figure began to lay out their options.

“Louise von Schwartz of Kernstadt is a contender. She is the leader of the second-largest human power after the Empire, and she has a balanced character—neither too extreme nor overly accommodating. She has the makings of a leader. Her achievements are beyond reproach. However, there’s a strong suspicion that she killed her own siblings, which could become a vulnerability.

“Grand Duke Raphael de Saint-Ouen is also a possibility. Creating the Titan on his own sets his achievements apart from all others. He has faithfully followed the principles of the esteemed Saint-Ouen family, a lineage known for its unwavering commitment to righteousness.”

“While we believe in harnessing any power, even that of an apostate, if it serves a greater purpose, the dedication of the Saint-Ouen family and its current leader, Grand Duke Saint-Ouen, commands deep respect and admiration. Yet, in this instance, his daughter poses too great a risk. Despite his accomplishments, he remains underappreciated by the public.”

He paused, then continued, “There are other candidates, but they either lack the necessary power, achievements, or the ability to rally other significant forces. Therefore, in the end... Ellen Artorius... She is the right choice. Her strength, the symbol she represents, and the support that the people have for her all align in her favor. If she can establish the foundation for the next Empire, that would be the ideal outcome.”

The immense burden of the title of “Hero”...

With the Empire’s legitimacy crumbling and a clear enemy now in sight, the Hero’s name had become a symbol more powerful than any noble or king. For the sake of humanity’s unity and future prosperity, especially after the Gate Incident, the old Empire had to fall, to make way for a new one.

And Ellen Artorius was destined to rule this new Empire... Given the circumstances, the Black Order believed that that was the best course of action.

Cristina listened quietly to the unfolding story.

Another man, who had been leaning silently against the wall at the edge of the assembly hall, spoke up suddenly.

“In the end... it’s just another imposition,” he said.

His words drew the attention of the black-robed figures, who turned to look at him.

“Even now, Ellen struggles to carry the title of Hero. Are you now going to demand she become Empress as well?”

His unruly black hair fell to his neck, and his arms, which his cloak did not cover, were wrapped in bandages.

“I have a question,” he continued.

His eyes, deep and dark like the abyss, peered through the tangled strands of hair and locked onto the robed figures.

“By what right do you decide such things?”

His words cast a heavy silence over the room.

“Who are you to dictate the nature of the world and insist it must be so?”

Ludwig, the man with bandaged arms, stared at them with eyes as deep as a void.

“Because it’s the right path for everyone,” came the reply.

Ludwig’s lips twisted into a rough smile. “Yes... That’s the ultimate justification, isn’t it? The only excuse that can sidestep all wrongdoings, sins, and responsibilities. The phrase ‘for everyone’ is just a cover for you. Those words exist for people like you, who hide behind them. An excuse for people like you.

“You people were involved in the Gate Incident too, weren’t you? Isn’t that right? But all you care about is bending the world to your will. And when things go wrong, will you claim, like everyone else, that it wasn’t your intention?

“If this ends in disaster, will you plead for understanding, insisting this wasn’t what you wanted? Will you promise to get it right next time, try to reshape the world again, claiming you’ve finally found the right answer?”

It’s for the sake of the world. For humanity. For everyone. These words often served as excuses for those who wished to justify their actions.

“So, what do you suggest then?” the figures in black robes inquired. “Do you have the ultimate solution? A plan for who should lead this world next, a way to eliminate the roots of future conflicts, and achieve lasting peace?”

Ludwig shook his head in response.

“Are you saying that making Ellen the Emperor will resolve all the world’s issues?” he replied instead. “The Church of the Five Great Gods has already succumbed to the Demon King. Do you think they’ll just rally behind the Hero who became Empress and call it a day?”

“We assume there will be some unrest,” the black-robed figure responded after a short pause.

Ludwig chuckled. “What you’re suggesting is just one of many paths. Whether the Empire stands, the world falls to the Demon King, or Ellen becomes Empress, there will always be problems, and people will always suffer.

“I used to believe there was a right answer, and that I was too foolish to find it. That’s what I thought. But now I understand. The only truth is that there is no single right answer. Each of us carries some responsibility for everything that’s happened, don’t we?

“Whether it’s the Demon King, the Emperor, the Hero, or you... Whoever ends up ruling the continent, each will be a little right and a little wrong.”

He cleared his throat. “There’s no perfect solution. Even without you people, another answer will emerge—imperfect, but still an answer. I’m not going to worry about that.

“I don’t need to find the answer. It’s not about the answer; it’s about justice. You people, who caused all this, trying to be judged not by the outcome, but by your ‘good’ intentions... People like you guys, who keep forcing your so-called ‘right answer’ under the excuse of doing it for everyone’s sake...”

His eyes smoldered. “Erasing people like you from this world... That’s my task.”

He had come to the realization that there was no definitive answer. It simply didn’t exist. Yet, there were always those who tried to manipulate the world, insisting they’d finally found the perfect solution, even when they were wrong.

These people never faced the consequences of their mistakes. They kept pushing their agendas, sacrificing others under the guise of good intentions.

Such people, he believed, should vanish from the world.

The Black Order’s proposal for Ellen to become Empress might just lead to a positive outcome. But the very thought of a faction trying to manipulate the world from the shadows with their words was utterly repulsive.

As Ludwig’s threatening aura filled the room, the mages began to rise one by one.

“Cristina, was this your plan from the beginning?” someone asked. They were beginning to suspect that bringing Ludwig to the Black Order’s assembly hall had been her intention all along.

Cristina shrugged, her expression unreadable. “I wouldn’t have put it quite that way, but yes, you could say that.”

Her gaze was icy as she stared down the robed figures.

A tension filled the air, as if something was about to snap.

This confrontation had been inevitable.

Cristina echoed words the Emperor had once intended for a different audience. “If the world ends up as you envision, it’s simply revolting.”

Her eyes, burning with hatred and anger, were on the brink of madness. Much like Ludwig’s, but with a twist.

It was a thirst for revenge.

The thought that those who should have been held accountable managed to thrive, all the while pretending to be the saviors of the world, was unbearable.

“You are all no longer necessary.”

“You realize you’re not the only one who can say that,” one of the mages retorted.

A relationship built on mutual benefit... They both knew from the beginning that they were using each other.

The mages of the Black Order began to make their preparations.

“What, are you trying to summon the Immortals?”

“What...?! How did you...?”

As soon as their plan was uncovered, Cristina, still seated comfortably, simply shrugged her shoulders.

“Did you really think we wouldn’t figure out that you’d never hand over the alchemical recipe without a safeguard in place?”

The truth was, they were only cooperating temporarily because of the Gate Incident.

“Of course it was obvious,” Cristina continued. “If I tried to betray you, you’d attempt to take control of the Immortals. You had to have anticipated that.”

Silence fell among the mages.

The Immortals were governed by magic. Entrusting the technology to Cristina and using the Empire’s resources to complete it without some sort of failsafe would have been unimaginable.

The Immortals were destined to fall into the hands of the Black Order at the pivotal moment.

Just as the Emperor had foreseen that outcome when the first Immortals were created and had allowed it to unfold anyway, Cristina had also suspected that the Black Order had their own intentions for handing over the technology.

These mages were so easy to read.

Cristina chuckled to herself. “Did you really think we followed your recipe for the Immortals to the letter? That’s a bit too optimistic, don’t you think?”

“Did you believe it was magic you could meddle with?” one of the mages shot back.

The knowledge the Black Order had provided was vast and profound. Even just executing the procedures necessary to create the Immortals required brilliance beyond ordinary genius. Uncovering and altering the magical formulas the Black Order had concealed within that recipe was basically an impossible feat.

The Black Order had foreseen that their adversaries would anticipate their moves, and had essentially presented the challenge with a silent dare: “See if you can outsmart us.”

“Come on, you’re a secret society. Didn’t you expect the world to be full of unpredictable geniuses?”

The Black Order was a gathering place for the continent’s most brilliant minds. Only those with true talent could understand just how unpredictable a genius could be.

“What’s the matter?” Cristina taunted them. “Is it not working properly?”

“...”

She saw their puzzled expressions and allowed herself a sly smile. Her plan was working.

The Black Order wasn’t naive. But sometimes, one person’s brilliant mind could far exceed another’s expectations.

The Black Order had fallen into decline. All its leaders were dead, and the last of their skilled members had perished in their most recent fight against the Demon King. The only ones left were those who, even within the Black Order, were not particularly remarkable.

The vast stores of magic, secrets, and arcane arts amassed by their greatest leaders still existed, but these survivors could not truly grasp them.

Sadly, these were merely the “leftovers.”

It was inevitable that they couldn’t comprehend the thoughts of geniuses or the possible dangers that they faced. Their only option had been to turn to the brilliant minds of the Empire and the Temple, hoping to leverage the Empire’s power as a last resort. That was all they could do.

The skilled and the brave had already perished, battling the monsters from the Gate and the Demon King, and those who remained had reached their limits.

One of the mages from the order finally bowed his head in resignation.

“So, this is how it ends...”

Who hadn’t seen this coming?

Yet, they had been compelled to act, even knowing that their efforts might not change the outcome.

Those who once managed the world from the shadows had become too weakened to continue. Still, they tried, and in the end, they had joined forces with those who despised them.

It was a simple story.

They had attempted to manipulate each other, and ultimately, it was the weaker one who was manipulated.

“Ludwig,” Cristina whispered softly.

In response, dark energy erupted from Ludwig’s right hand, shaping itself into a sword.

With deliberate steps, Ludwig advanced toward the black mages who stood still, resigned to their fate.