Volume 1 Chapter 515

Chapter 515: Who Are You Calling a Demon? Ah! Who Are You Calling a Demon!

Having just concluded a battle of divine proportions, Lolth was still in a state of heightened alertness.

Sensing the surge of extraordinary energy, she instinctively summoned the magic cube.

Though the magic cube hadn’t fully recuperated, it was sufficiently restored for another use.

However, after a moment’s pause, Lolth realized…

The surge of extraordinary energy, while "intense," was…

Not even reaching the Holy Domain.

It was merely a legend-level surge of extraordinary energy.

"That makes sense, this is the mainland plane; it’s not common for gods and demi-gods to intervene."

Lolth breathed a sigh of relief and stowed the magic cube.

Simultaneously, a spark of curiosity ignited within her.

What exactly… had transpired?

Had the Silver Citadel City Master been besieged by irate mercenaries?

It seemed unlikely, as there were no legends among those mercenaries.

If it were Yi and Qiong who had acted, such a significant disturbance would be unexpected.

Whether it was the swordsmen of the Seven Kingdoms or the high-level Sneaker rangers, their magical fluctuations were typically subtle, not something one would notice from such a distance.

It felt more like a clash between two army leaders, with elemental mages, traditional warriors, and gun knights, engaging in a fierce battle.

"Hmm… regardless, I should go and investigate."

Lolth pondered, scratching her head.

At least this provided a valid excuse to avoid returning to Hillenbrand Town!

She descended the desolate Wild Boar Mountain.

It was peculiar; earlier, numerous mercenaries had just been relocated from the half plane ruins, yet now Wild Boar Mountain was eerily silent.

No mercenaries, no monsters.

Barely any signs of "activity" or "lingering."

It appeared as though something had prompted these mercenaries to depart hastily.

Even Qiong, Lalea, Kanor, and their companions hadn’t lingered for long.

Lolth could scarcely detect any residual magic essence from them.

"What could be the reason for this?"

Even Lolth found herself pondering.

She ambled slowly, nearing the boundary of Wild Boar Mountain…

Lolth finally caught sight of the "signal."

It was a remnant of a magical symbol.

Lolth could easily discern… this was Kanor’s magic.

Kanor clearly made no effort to conceal it either.

"Move forward."

That was the essence of the magical symbol Kanor had embedded within the magic circle.

Lolth grasped this meaning.

Moreover, this symbol, serving as a "magic conduit," stood as the most stable among the myriad of magical symbols capable of executing the "forward" command.

In essence, Kanor was signaling that the "situation is secure."

At least, that was the implication when she left the symbol.

Lolth felt a slight easing of her worries.

With Kanor by her side, there truly seemed little to fear.

Especially after Kanor had left her a reassuring message.

Then, Lolth was momentarily taken aback by her own thoughts.

"Kanor has truly… come into her own."

Even as her mentor, I can sense her reliability.

It appears… she is not far from completing her training.

Despite being only eight years old.

But now is not the moment for such reflections.

Even with Kanor present, the group might still be in relative safety…

Yet, we cannot wholly depend on our apprentice, can we?

And…

As they neared the Silver Citadel, Lolth could increasingly sense…

The Silver Citadel was embroiled in a conflict that seemed to surpass the involvement of merely two legendary levels.

It felt more like… two entire armies.

By observing the sky and sensing the shifts in magic, Lolth deduced that several days had passed since she entered the Ruins of Sand.

In this extraordinary world… the pace of military movements far exceeds ordinary expectations.

Like the fabled Isabella, who could lead the Northman Knight Order through two war zones in half a day to execute a surprise attack, provided there was a hidden path.

Thus… Lolth was not surprised by whoever was now assaulting the Silver Citadel.

Even the distant Eastern Seven Kingdoms could dispatch troops here.

Most importantly… upon reflection, it seemed plausible for any party to act.

After all, a massive surge of extraordinary energy had just erupted here, and Lolth was well aware that the clash between her, the evil god, and Murphy Yates would not go unnoticed by the various powers.

The Golden Peacock and South Sotua, being long-standing foes, would naturally seize the opportunity to strike.

The Silver Citadel, situated near the border of Seychelles, would likely attract the Republic of Seychelles to partake in the turmoil, aligning with their typical conduct.

The Eastern Seven Kingdoms are easier to comprehend… their influential figure, the ruler of Clean Spring Palace, Yi, vanished shortly after entering South Sotua, which directly correlates with the full-scale actions of South Sotua!

Moreover, the City Master of Silver Citadel has been confirmed to collude with demons, and the emergence of dark gods has been detected; The Church of Light and the Holy Empire, along with Ryman’s Trinity Church, also have justifiable reasons to intervene.

Oh, and there’s also my own aura as an abyss demon—I recently took the Lady of Light and the Rod of Eden, and my presence was recognized by The Church of Light, so the three Grand Knights and the Heretic Tribunal are likely to come after me as well.

Orcs, elves, dwarves… the thriving slave trade in South Sotua makes it highly probable for these races to find an excuse to attack.

This makes it somewhat difficult for Lolth to ascertain what is truly happening.

Perhaps this is just a massive brawl.

Now, the only group without suspicion is the Demon Army, the designated antagonist in the recent continental war, to which I belong.

After all, the Lord of the Demon King went to the underworld to battle demons. Without the Lord of the Demon King’s command, those legion leaders couldn’t possibly lead their troops on their own.

Unless they want the Lord of the Demon King to return and take their heads off.

"How amusing, in the end, this war has nothing to do with the Demon Army…"

The Holy Alliance is just a farce, but at least before this, the countries on the continent managed to maintain a semblance of peace…

Now, they have completely torn apart the facade.

Continuing toward the Silver Citadel, Lolth finally saw clearly what was happening there.

It wasn’t two armies fighting each other.

It was three armies attacking the city!

Mages casting spells against the city, siege magic devices, large magical beasts they raised, and organized vanguard teams…

City defenses, protective magic circles, self-disciplined guards excavated from ancient ruins, and summoned demons…

The two sides were fighting fiercely, thoroughly enjoying themselves.

But Lolth was surprised to discover…

She had still underestimated the limits of the countries on the mainland plane.

Both sides were wearing… South Sotua’s clothes.

However, the banner hung at Silver Citadel was not South Sotua’s royal flag, but rather the flag of their own castle.

This was not even a conflict between two countries or between humans!

This was an internal conflict of South Sotua!

At the same time, both inside and outside the city, many lively small groups filled the well-organized legions, each with their own unique characteristics.

That is the major mercenary groups of South Sotua!

Of course, many more mercenaries were supposed to be doing missions around Silver Forge City, but now those monster gathering areas have all turned into battlefields, and the weaker ones are trying to escape from the fight alongside the monsters.

No one is looking after these guys.

This is the scene of war between the forces of the main plane.

Chaotic, primitive, and inefficient…

Especially since this core element of South Sotua makes it look almost humorously dark, as both sides in the battle come from this strange mercenary nation.

Lolth watched the fierce siege battle and moved closer to the battlefield, then casually grabbed a fleeing mercenary.

"Brother, what’s going on? I just came out from the monster gathering area… why is there fighting?"

The captured mercenary, only at Elite Level, faced Lolth, who could easily catch him even at full speed. He suppressed his urge to curse and instead anxiously replied to her.

"Run! The City Master of Silver Citadel has gone mad and just announced a rebellion. His Majesty the King was already prepared; as soon as the rebellion was declared, three legions started attacking the city like mad!"

"There was no negotiation at all; they just started fighting to the death…"

"I heard the King also plans to declare war on Seychelles… We can’t stay here—luckily, neither side is paying attention to us small fry nearby… We should hurry and run!"

"The troops from the front have been called back, and if we’re not careful, even the demon race could get involved!"

Lolth was taken aback and looked a bit shocked.

"Well, it’s normal for those who believe in demons to go crazy… But my teammates might still be in the city…"

As Lolth said this, she let go of the mercenary.

The mercenary started running again but hesitated for a moment, then turned back and shouted at Lolth.

"Don’t worry about the people in the city; I heard the master of Silver Citadel has captured all the mercenaries who don’t want to join the rebellion… It doesn’t look good for them!"

"You want to enter the city now, but you can’t!"

He shouted this and gradually ran away.

"I see…"

Lolth nodded and quietly gave him a speed boost, making him run a little faster, as a thank-you gift from her.

She looked at the second symbol Kanor had left, pointing to the Silver Citadel, and gently shook her head.

Indeed, those guys must have entered the city just before the war started.

However, Lolth didn’t believe they would face a bad end.

Currently, the people on the battlefield together could not be stronger than Yi.

It was even uncertain if they could defeat Qiong.

That guy is after all the faith of the South Sotua mercenaries, a legendary level Sneaker.

When Lolth thought of this, she became a bit curious…

What would those guys be doing in the city?

She would have to go in to find out.

As for sneaking in…

It was not difficult for Lolth at all.

She gently created a magical formula.

In the next moment, her figure disappeared from the spot.

After a mysterious wave of space, she appeared inside the Silver Citadel, in a dark room piled with junk.

"Hmm—although I don’t know the exact range for random teleportation, it seems like the starting location is pretty good."

Lolth was really afraid of being teleported to a strange place.

Like right in the middle of a military camp… then she would definitely be caught as an attacker.

Even though she had disguised her tail and sharp horns immediately upon returning to the main plane, in the current Silver Citadel of South Sotua, even a sudden appearance of a human was considered highly suspicious and dangerous!

Through her senses, she realized that there didn’t seem to be many people around.

Outside, there were only five humans, and their extraordinary energy seemed quite faint.

Lolth opened the door, preparing to leave the room.

Then…

Lolth and five figures clad in night attire found themselves face to face.

The symbols and attire of the others clearly indicated something to Lolth, who had witnessed Qiong’s Courage Trial…

"Damn, Eye of South Sotua."

She silently covered her face and exclaimed.

The faintness of their extraordinary energy wasn’t due to their weakness, but because they had concealed it exceptionally well!

She had been careless—if she had sensed more carefully earlier, instead of just a cursory glance, their disguise wouldn’t have fooled her.

She had simply assumed the surroundings were just an ordinary residence!

Upon closer inspection, Lolth realized she was likely in the underground of the Silver Citadel.

This was a secret chamber hidden within the sewers.

She had been in the storage room of this secret chamber.

Now, in the room with five spies, the dim light flickered, and a map marked with numerous symbols was spread out on the table.

She had stumbled upon a secret strategy meeting of Qiong’s former colleagues!

At this hour, sneaking into the Silver Citadel could only mean they were either planning an assassination, gathering critical intelligence, or orchestrating some significant sabotage!

Thus, the five individuals looked at Lolth and immediately displayed hostile expressions.

"Master Gregory is truly cunning; he has powerful allies who can locate Master Osmeda’s hidden pieces so swiftly without our knowledge!"

A man in black murmured in a low voice.

"It seems the Prime Minister was correct; we need to purge our ranks within the Eye of South Sotua as well."

Another man in black concurred.

"However—Gregory only sent you here; isn’t that somewhat underestimating us?"

Lolth observed the increasingly menacing figures and, listening to their words, understood one thing…

These spies from South Sotua’s official ranks had mistaken her for someone from the Silver Citadel.

Lolth quickly assessed their strengths.

Extraordinary, extraordinary, epic, extraordinary, legendary.

She could defeat them swiftly, but it might not go unnoticed by the city’s inhabitants.

She needed to find a way to avoid a confrontation!

She had to prove her innocence quickly…

Lolth pondered, then decisively revealed her succubus tail and sharp horns.

"It’s a misunderstanding! I’m not from the main plane! I really don’t know the City Master of Silver Citadel!"

She shouted, raising her hands innocently.

Several spies from South Sotua quickly exchanged glances, and then the leader whispered,

"Be careful, it’s a demon!"

"That guy Gregory is actually harboring a high-level demon in the city!"

"We must report this to the Chancellor!"

Hearing their words, Lolth was momentarily stunned, then felt a surge of anger.

Her hatred for demons had never been higher.

Especially after being tricked by Murphy Yates, being treated as a demon now felt like shouting "Cheers to Bilibili!" at Ac or saying "Guoan is awesome!" to someone from Tianjin!

"Who are you calling a demon, huh? Who are you calling a demon?"

To be called a demon upon first meeting—

Lolth was furious!

She abandoned any thought of resolving this peacefully and held nothing back.

"Bang!"

The space around the five spies twisted and tightened, distorting their forms.

Lolth instantly shattered their bones!

Even the trained professionals from the "Eye of South Sotua" turned pale and collapsed to the ground, barely stifling their screams.

But they didn’t get the chance.

In the next moment, Lolth sealed their mouths.

"Silence Spell!"

Lolth silenced their voices and then sealed their magic.

After angrily searching them, Lolth found a few portable maps, a plan, and some disguises, and she was slightly surprised.

Their mission didn’t conflict with hers; in fact, their goals might even align!

The spies’ task was to infiltrate the underground of Silver Citadel’s City Master’s residence to free the mercenaries imprisoned by City Master Gregory.

"Alright, no matter what… let’s check out the City Master’s residence in Silver Citadel!"

With that, Lolth began moving through the sewers.

Even if Yi and her friends were likely not captured, at least the City Master was there.

If they were still in the city, they would probably want to go there too.

Even if he leaves, that crazy City Master who believes in demons must know something.

Even if he really doesn’t know anything, Lolth wouldn’t mind taking care of him.

Though she didn’t care for the king and prime minister of South Sotua, those who believe in demons or wicked gods deserve to die.

Especially since this guy believes in Murphy Yates… she might as well consider it ridding the people of a threat!

Lolth pondered this as she slowly made her way towards the City Master’s residence.

However, what Lolth did not anticipate was…

In the secret dungeon beneath the City Master’s residence, her companions were indeed present!

The Victory and Fish Eye mercenary groups, along with the others who had escaped, were imprisoned there.

Even Yi and Qiong were seated in the corners, blending in with the rest.

Their presence here certainly proved one thing…

At least the two of them had been captured intentionally.

This was indeed the case.

Seated in the corner, Yi and Qiong, one clutching a sword and the other a dagger, gazed at the despondent mercenaries and pondered a question.

That was…

What exactly did that eight-year-old girl, the disciple of the succubus, intend to do?

And… why had they followed the orders of that eight-year-old girl to come here and deliberately sit in jail with the mercenaries?

Yi reflected for a moment, perhaps it was because she seemed to have a good relationship with his sister Ann.

"Let’s just say… I’m looking after a friend of my sister."

Yi thought this and then closed his eyes to rest.

Qiong, meanwhile, stared blankly at the dagger, recalling the last words Kanor had said to him.

"Whether it’s the king or the prime minister of South Sotua, as long as you do as I say, you will have… the opportunity to kill them."

Although that little girl appeared to be only at Elite Level, for some reason…

Her words were remarkably persuasive.

And in this secret, underground prison…

There were four individuals who were notably absent.

Kanor, Dorothy, Ann…

And Lalea.

The four of them were located in the City Master’s mansion above ground.

Dorothy and Ann were lounging in a luxurious room, enjoying pastries and relaxing in a state of bewilderment.

Apart from that, they were clueless about what was happening.

After entering the city, they had stumbled upon a rebellion at the Silver Citadel and were surrounded by the City Master, along with a Demon Warlock and his private army.

At Kanor’s suggestion, Yi and Qiong had played along, and they were all captured and brought here, one by one, and imprisoned underground.

But then, unexpectedly, Kanor had taken herself, her two companions, and Lalea out of the line of prisoners.

After that, Lalea and Kanor had vanished, but the two of them had ended up here, being well-fed and well-cared for.

Considering Yi and Qiong’s earlier compliance, Dorothy and Ann had already surmised…

This was likely part of Kanor’s plan.

But what exactly was she planning to do… neither of the two knew.

And in the room next door…

In a spacious meeting room, Kanor sat in a large chair, next to Lalea, whose hands were tied.

She had already removed her plush costume and sat in the chair with a proud and disdainful expression.

Standing before the chair was a very respectful…

City Master Gregory of the Silver Citadel!

This man, who worshipped demons, looked at the eight-year-old girl with a polite and ingratiating smile.

"Lord Fuen, please rest assured… even if I botch the half-plane operation, I will definitely fulfill the ‘contract’ and ensure the deal is completed!"

"Please don’t blame me, Master Murphy Yates… after all, it was sudden, and no one expected an Abyssal Demon and a dark god to join in!"

Kanor listened to Gregory’s explanation, nodding slightly and showing a faint smile of "forced satisfaction."

"Master Murphy Yates administers ‘Judgment’ more fairly than anyone else. This failure is not entirely your fault, and I will explain this to you."

"But you must also do something to continue proving your ‘worth’…"

"I understand, I will overthrow the United Kingdom of South Sotua," Gregory said, showing a hint of fear. "The heirs of the name Sotua are a bunch of untrustworthy liars! They must pay the price! I will fulfill this task for Master Murphy!"

Gregory’s voice rose.

"Overthrow," Kanor sneered lightly, "I hope so… However, Master Murphy Yates expects you to only hold this place—As for taking this kingdom for ‘Hell,’ Master Murphy has no expectations for that—it’s something He plans to do Himself."

Gregory listened, surprised, then became excited.

"Master Murphy plans to cast a projection… But the half-plane plan has already failed…"

"Don’t talk too much, Gregory," Kanor interrupted him harshly, "I have already brought the princess of South Sotua as Master Murphy requested… Next, you just need to hold on and cooperate with me!"