Summary: Gaining tremendous power and reputation as the notorious Noblesse, Lu has become a notable demon queen and tries to expand her territories within Elrios. She asks her faithful servant Ciel to conquer the Kingdom of Hamel, but the Goddess apparently decides to get in his way.

Erst der Letzt

Phase I: Epilogue

Beneath the land of Elrios, there is a land of which all demons live. Like the humans, they live under guidance of a ruler. Unlike them, however, the demons rule by their value of power. Those who are strong have every right to command over weaker ones.

After her fall from reign several decades ago, Lu fled to the human realm, where she came across Ciel. Many things happened over their brief encounter. When an incident led Ciel close in losing his life, Lu asked him to make a contract with her in order for him to not die. He agreed, and became her servant and helped her to regain her throne.

Several years have passed since then.

With substantial help from Ciel, Lu has grown considerably stronger than ever. She can now control evil spirits with the astounding power of her lineage. With her immense power and strong presence in the battlefield, Lu eventually recovers her authority in the demon realm and gains legions of demon army serving under her.

However, due to her demonic side, Lu has begun to change. She begins craving after domains, wanting to be the most powerful demon ever. Thus she then begins to expand her territory on the human realm.

"Ciel," Lu calls upon her servant. He gives her a polite acknowledgement. "Which do you think is the utmost influential monarchy in Elrios?"

"I believe Fluone Continent currently holds high military prowess within Elrios." Ciel replies in a smooth tone. "…The City of Lanox, Tribe Village of Sander, and lastly, Kingdom of Hamel."

Lu ponders about it for a moment. "Which one is the closest from here?"

"Sander."

"Oho~ I see. Then it's settled," a smirk curves on her lips. "We shall launch our attack tomorrow. Prepare everything for it, Ciel."

Ciel nods his head. "…As you wish."

He then bows and takes his way out of the throne room. His heart pounding fast inside his chest, but Ciel doesn't think much about it. He needs to get everything ready for tomorrow.

# # #

Ain remembers when he was merely a speck of light, unable to speak or being spoken to by other creatures. He remembers clearly when the Goddess Ishmael called his name, thus granting him his tangible form and powers, all in exchange of giving his assistance in restoring the El.

"Ainchase. You are not to delve in too deep with their matter. Fulfill you mission as naturally as possible."

When he fulfills his mission, he will be forgotten by the humans.

It matters not. He has long grown in frustration and doubt about human beings. Several years ago, he had traveled across Elrios. He saw by himself, how those humans only care about their own needs in the end. They betray each other, waging conflict over trivial matters. All for the sake of glory and greed.

The more he uses his power from the Goddess, the more he lose his human side, something that he needs to understand and cooperate with the humans in Elrios. After witnessing what Wally has done, in addition to his disappointment in humans, Ain ultimately loses all hope in humanity and decides to take his own line.

Fighting vile demons that began conquering the land for years, Ain was led to the Capital of Hamel, where he met with the young heir Prince Seiker, also known as Chung.

"I have heard that you possess enormous power against demons. Would you lend your strength to aid us in defending this kingdom from them?"

Ain frowns upon hearing the proposal. "Why should I offer my assistance for the likes of you?"

"Our soldiers have their hands full of fighting with demons in the front lines. Your help in defending the citizen here would greatly aid us. As the Prince of Hamel, I ask this of you. …Please, help us."

Chung looks at him with unwavering gaze. Strong determination and indomitable resolve clearly can be seen from his eyes. Nevertheless, Ain had lost his ability to feel any sentiment since a long time ago.

"I don't care about you humans," he says coldly. "Though all despicable demons are the same. I will slay them all, without exception."

And with that, Ain turns away and leaves. He doesn't see Chung bows deeply at his back.

"Thank you very much." The young Hamelian Prince whispers.

True to his words, none of the demons able to invade Hamel that far without getting struck by dozens of spear made of light.

#

For months, it has been quite peaceful in Hamel, until one day, a messenger comes with urgent news.

"Sander has been attacked by the demons. The Tribe Chief asked us for reinforcement army in defending the village."

"I understand. Sir Penensio, have your men prepared to take part in the reinforcement. Have some stationed here as last resort and guarding the gates," Chung begins commanding his subordinates. "I will personally lead the reinforcement army."

"What?" Penensio raises his head. "That is quite a risky move, Your Highness. Allow me to take charge of the army going to Sander."

Chung gives him a smile. "There's nothing to worry about. Hamel Knights are formidable opponents for the demons. They are more than capable of guarding the city in my absence."

Being the leader of the Red Knights, Penensio can't help but smile. "Thank you on putting so much trust in us, Your Highness."

"Very well. It's been decided then. We'll depart tomorrow at dawn."

"Yes, Your Highness."

#

That night, the soldiers begin their preparation in haste. Words fly fast across the city about the demon invasion in Sander. Eventually, the news reaches Ain.

"Do you not desire to aid?" the smooth, velvety voice whispers in his ear. Ain doesn't need to glance to know who that is.

"Insignificant."

"Oh?"

Glave, the whisperer whom Ain had known for his hobby on harassing him finally reveals himself from the shadow. "And why is that, little angel?"

Ain shoots him a glare instead of answering. Unfortunately, that doesn't work on shooing the masked figure away.

"Are you really certain about this?" Glave taunts him again. "Have you truly forsaken them, those mangy little humans that you were so hopeful of?"

Loads of spears bolt out of thin air at Glave, piercing him deeply. He laughs, and his pierced figure slowly dissipate into nothingness. However, his apparent laughs echoing within the air.

When Glave's presence seemingly vanished, cold fingers harshly tug on Ain's jawbone to the side, forcing him to crane his neck to see Glave stands behind his back. A spear forms itself on Ain's hand.

"Why you—…!"

"Calm down there, little angel." Glave chides in a mocking manner. "You are quite hostile for a priest. It is regrettable that I have to paralyze yourself just to relish myself of your fine-looking form. Tell me, do all celestials possess beautiful face like yours?"

A spear launches itself at Glave, who easily steps aside to dodge. "My, my. Quite vicious, indeed."

As Glave let him out of his hold, Ain regains his senses. He throws several daggers of light to Glave's face, only for them to shatter before even touching the masked man.

"You're an eyesore. I ought to eradicate you myself." Ain growls, summoning a spear on his hand. But Glave merely chuckles.

"You can't be so mean to your old friend like this. Remember, we have been together ever since you were in that place. Surely you still remember it well."

The spear struck Glave in the chest, only for his figure to dissipate again into nothingness. Ain doesn't let his guard down.

"This is getting boring. See you later, little angel. Call me when you succumb into despair, ahahhahahhah~"

And with that, Glave presence also disappears. After making sure the masked man won't come back soon, Ain dismisses his projectile weapons away. His hand moves to touch his jaw where Glave's hand has been.

He grits his teeth, seething.

"…I ought to exterminate him."

# # #

Meanwhile in Sander, the war has waged. Of course, the demons are on the winning side. Many of the Sander warriors have fallen. In the midst of the battlefield, a demon commander comes before Ciel.

"The humans are losing, but some of them managed to ask for help from outside force," the demon says. "What should we do?"

"Let them do as they please. Proceed as planned."

"Understood."

The demon then goes away. Lu, who was nearby, hears their conversation and walks to Ciel.

"I heard all that. Are you really not going to do anything?"

"I will take care of the reinforcement myself."

Lu nods.

"Well, now that Sander's been taken care of, what about Lanox and Hamel?"

"Lanox is to the north, and Hamel is to the south. The reinforcement most likely comes from Hamel."

"Oho~ you're going to take care of the reinforcement army, aren't you?" Lu tilts her head. "In that case, you should go for Hamel as well."

Ciel blinks. "Then, what about you?"

"Huhu… of course I will go to Lanox," Lu raises her blazing fist. "What? You don't believe I will win the war?"

"No, of course not." Ciel closes his eyes before opening them again. "As you wish. I will go to Hamel."

"Bring some minions if you'd like. Once you've done in there, come to Lanox. I'll make sure to reward you at out celebration."

"Yes, I understand."

Ciel bows, and then makes his way toward Hamel.

# # #