The Monster King's Legacy-Chapter 89: Developments

The demon marshals, their expressions hardened with resignation, stood frozen as an unexpected new presence emerged yet again before the others could respond to the elven king.

A second elf, clad in silver and deep blue robes embroidered with arcane symbols, descended from the sky with an effortless grace. Her long, platinum hair flowed in the air in a fluid motion like liquid, and her piercing azure eyes gleamed with light intensity. A cold, calculating air surrounded her, distinct from Cauldrus’ composed authority.

The two demon marshals instinctively tensed, recognizing the shift in the air. Before either could react, the elven woman raised a single hand, a faint ripple of spreading through the atmosphere. The Larger demon sneered, scrunching his face.

"What is this?" he growled. "You think you can simply—" His words faltered.

A wave of invisible energy surged from the elven woman’s fingertips, seeping into the minds of the marshals like an unseen tide. Their bodies stiffened, eyes widening in horror as she pried into their very thoughts.

Unknown to the likes of Lance and the monster rulers, what she was using was mind magic, a rare and terrifying ability to unearth memories, secrets, and whatever was within a person’s mind. The demon marshals shuddered as their resistance crumbled before the sheer force of her intrusion.

She turned to the others, her voice calm yet chilling.

"I will take these two," she announced. "They will yield every secret they have."

Before anyone could respond or object, the female elf clenched her fist, and the demons’ forms flickered, vanishing in an instant, taken away through spatial magic. Lance and the other two leaders exchanged wary glances, none daring to question what they had just witnessed.

As the moment passed, the armored figure stepped forward. His presence which was already imposing, seemed even heavier now, as though he had been waiting for the right time to speak. He removed his helmet, revealing sharp, chiseled features; dark hair, piercing eyes, and a regal air that carried an unmistakable authority.

"I am King Cervic Vermond of humanity’s forces," he said. "One of the rulers of the human kingdoms that stand against the demon threat."

Beside him, the elf clad in green and gold spoke again.

"Like I said earlier, I am Cauldrus Sylvena, King of the Elves," he stated with a composed nod. "I have come on behalf of my people to fulfill what was decided upon in the Council of War."

King Cervic spoke, his tone measured yet firm. "We should get right to the point, we all have important business to attend to." Following his suggestion, everyone agreed with a nod. "We have pushed deep into demon territory, carving through their legions and eliminating a number of their generals. But the Demon Lord remains… and he is growing stronger by the day."

The statement was one that sounded metaphorical, but Ruzak asked his question regardless, not even realising he had until he started speaking.

"Growing stronger? How?"

Cauldrus shook his head. "We do not yet understand. His power should be limited, yet somehow, he continues to amass strength with each passing day. If we delay any further… we may find ourselves facing a foe that not even our combined might can defeat. At that point, this very war will be useless."

A heavy silence followed as everyone understood that the implications were dire.

Ruzak spoke, his gaze fixed on Cervic. "What do you want from us then?"

Cervic answered without hesitation. "To fight." His eyes swept across the three leaders. "We cannot reach the Demon Lord alone without great sacrifice, which we look to minimize. His armies remain vast, we need forces to hold the line, to battle the remaining generals and give us a path to strike at the heart of the enemy."

The request was sensible, but it did little to ease the sting of reality. The leaders and elders of the monsters could not even match some of these kings in strength, let alone the Demon Lord himself. Yet, despite the apparent disparity, the necessity of their role seemed undeniable.

Lance wasn’t convinced though, and he was sure the others would think the same. "Why come to us to begin with. If its numbers, you have the most, why would you need us?"

Cervic weighed his question, though he answered almost immediately. "The war did not start now. We had attacked early on, wanting to nip the bud before it flowered, but all that happened was that we lost a lot of soldiers in the process, and even though we still have a lot of numbers, the demons appear to only increase in number, its as if they are being birthed and replaced. Your role will be more than needed." He explained.

In the end, they had to fight, as it was a war that would decide everything, their fates included.

Suddenly, Gorvak spoke, his crimson eyes gleaming with unwavering resolve. "I will follow you into battle against the Demon Lord himself," he declared.

Cervic and Cauldrus both looked at him briefly, their gazes steady.

"You will do no such thing," Cervic said flatly. "No offense, but this is a fight that only the strongest among us can take on."

"I am the strongest of my people," Gorvak growled, stepping closer. "And my people are not cowards. We do not stand back when war calls for warriors."

A tense silence followed. Ruzak watched the exchange carefully, while Lance studied the kings’ reactions.

Cervic’s eyes narrowed. "You understand that if you come, your life is in your own hands. No one will be responsible for your fate?"

Gorvak grinned, baring his tusks. "As it should be."

The tension eased, his request had been granted.

With the terms laid out, the final decision was made.

The monster races, though often viewed as lesser by the great nations, would now join the war effort in full. They would fight alongside the forces of humanity, elves and the dwarves.

Cervic looked around the assembled leaders, then spoke once more, his voice heavy with finality.

"From this moment on, we are one force. All races, all warriors, standing together against a common enemy. We will not stand divided. We will march as one."

Everyone acknowledged the alliance.

Cauldrus then spoke. "We’ve also contacted the Ogres, and they’ve agreed to join us, in case you wish to know."

"I see. We shall await word then, and we will protect this side of the forest to the best of our ability." Lance said.

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"We’d ask for nothing more." Cauldrus said.

…

Elsewhere, within a grand chamber, the faint rustling of silk curtains that framed the grand arched window moving slowly, a soft glow of moonlight illuminated the polished marble floors, casting elongated shadows across the intricate designs on the walls, seemingly untouched by time.

Standing before the window, his gaze fixed on the vast forests beyond, was Ithil, tall, with an aristocratic face sharpened by years of discipline, sunken cheeks, and piercing green eyes, he exuded an aura of calm authority. His medium-length hair framed his face, his expression unreadable, stoic and detached, yet unwavering in its intensity.

Beside him was Melina, her features softer but no less dignified. She was of average height, her beauty not overwhelming but refined, effortless, a presence that commanded respect rather than attention.

Despite her composed exterior, she had long since grown accustomed to Ithil’s unyielding silence, waiting patiently for the moment he chose to acknowledge her. She had been standing quietly there for minutes.

Finally, without turning, Ithil spoke.

"Report."

Melina inclined her head slightly, her tone respectful and fluid as she delivered her report.

"The war continues to escalate," she began. "The major races will be forming an alliance with the monster races, though it is clear that their cooperation is only a matter of convenience."

At this, Ithil’s brows twitched slightly, a mere flicker of acknowledgment. An expected outcome.

"The alliance," Melina continued, "will allow them to push further into demon territory. There’s also news that the Demon Lord is growing stronger with every passing day, an unnatural happening."

Ithil’s fingers tensed briefly against the marble windowsill before relaxing once more.

"And the human leading goblins?"

Melina’s expression did not shift, but there was a slight pause before she answered.

"He has proven capable," she admitted. "His leadership over the goblins has solidified his standing among the monster coalition, and he has shown himself to be a strategic ruler, as we know."

She hesitated only slightly before continuing.

"But… for all the attention the Godking placed upon him, his growth is lacking."

Ithil finally turned his gaze from the window, sharp emerald eyes locking onto Melina’s own.

"A year," he murmured. "That is more than enough time for a true genius to rise beyond mortal constraints."

His words carried no malice, but a firm conviction, something that appeared to be a standard that Lance had failed to reach.

Melina nodded in agreement.

"He is far stronger than most, but far below the true geniuses."

Ithil exhaled through his nose, his disappointment muted, but present. Perhaps, there was a different reason? He asked himself, for the Godking’s interest.

"Above average, but far below what I expected."

To him, a year was more than enough time for someone worthy to ascend beyond their peers. A true talent would have already begun reshaping the battlefield in their image, Lance had not. Still, he did not entirely discard the potential that remained.

Melina continued, her tone shifting slightly.

"The main forces have advanced further, master."

She glanced at Ithil carefully just before he spoke. "It almost time."

At those words, though his expression did not change much, there was a glimmer of something deeper flickering in his sharp gaze.

Melina did not need to ask what exactly he meant, she understood clearly. Being his most loyal subordinate, she had long known his true goal, the purpose behind everything.

Just then, Ithil closed his eyes, his breath slowing. For a moment, his consciousness extended beyond the confines of the chamber, into the heart of the ancient forests down below. There, his true body was, alive, still enduring, as he moved closer to his final destination.

His eyes opened once more, his voice calm as he spoke. "Prepare, have our people ready."

Melina nodded, no questions asked. She knew what was required. Without another word, she turned and left.

As the chamber door clicked shut behind her, Ithil returned his gaze to the vast forests outside, his expression unreadable.

His true goal was almost within reach.

The time was near.