Chapter 19
After our encounter with Demon King Guy, we headed back to the city to prepare for the upcoming Walpurgis.
Wanting to tell the story just once, I gathered my entire Council in the meeting room of my castle. Once there, I told everyone about the demons we encountered and defeated, my subsequent battle with Rein and Misery, and Guy's invitation to the Walpurgis.
"Despite the battle, I think this meeting with Demon King Guy can be beneficial for us." – Tuatha commented, after listening to my story.
"Beneficial how?" – I asked.
"Well, Lord Guy is the most powerful of all the Demon Kings, and he recognized you as one by inviting you to the Walpurgis. It's practically the same as telling the other Demon Kings that you have his support. Furthermore, he also recognized this island as your territory, so we no longer have to worry about an invasion from him." – she answered.
"I think it would be good for you to attend this Walpurgis, Lord Rogan. If not to socialize, then at least to measure the strength of the other Demon Kings." - Okimura added. "From a military point of view, the one I'm most concerned about is Demon King Valentine, whose territory seems to be somewhere in the Rubeiros Holy Empire, which is considerably close to our island."
"Well, I already told Guy I was going, anyway. If I tried to retreat now, I would risk his wrath, and even I am not powerful enough to survive that." – I commented.
"It's decided, then. I think you should take two of us as backup, in case any trouble arises." - Okimura said.
"I'll take Rogue, and Arthur. I need the others in the city. To protect it in case we're attacked." - I replied.
"It will be an honor, Lord Rogan." - Arthur answered.
"You can count on me, Master." - Rogue said.
With the Walpurgis issue resolved, we decided to move on to other issues.
"Very well. I want a full report on everything that has happened since we went exploring." – I told everyone. "Tuatha, any problem?"
"No, Lord Rogan. Both the citizens and the day-to-day of the city have functioned without any problem." – She answered me.
"Rize, any crime to report?"
"No, Lord Rogan. Everyone is too busy to commit any crime." – The Dark Elf replied.
"Okimura, how's training going?"
"Moving quickly, Lord Rogan. Thanks to the evolution of the Trihorns, our cavalry has been greatly improved. Each of the thirty Dark Elf soldiers now hover around Rank A+" – Okimura informed me.
"Hiroka, anything to report?" - I asked Hiroka.
"No, Lord Rogan. Full exploration of the island will continue while you are away." – she answered.
"Arthur, are all the constructions finished yet?" – I ask the Death Paladin.
"Yes, Lord Rogan. We await further orders from you." - Arthur replied.
"Willow, anything to report?"
"It's only been a week since we planted one hundred percent of our fields, but thanks to my Unique Skill "Gardener", we should be harvesting most of the produce in another week or so. Wheat, maybe, in just five days, weather permitting." Willow said, his voice indicating how proud he was of his skill. "I would also like to report that our Bulldeer herd has increased to two hundred heads of cattle. These animals seem to be spatially... prolific. I would like to ask you, Lord Rogan, if possible, to expand the space dedicated them."
"Granted. Talk to Arthur about how much space you want, and have him take care of it. Good work." – I told Willow, and Arthur nodded, indicating that he would take care of it.
"Yoshi? Do you guys, have anything to add?" – I asked Yoshi, Dorian and Arachne.
"Yes, Lord Rogan. Thanks to my research, I have finally managed to produce Full Potions, using Hipokute herbs. I think that if Willow and I work together, we could create a patch of Hipokute that would be able to meet the demand of the city." - Yoshi commented.
"Good work. Make the necessary arrangements." – I answered.
"I also have a report, Lord Rogan." - Dorian intervened.
"Let's hear it"
"As you know, the last sword I created for you was destroyed in the battle against that old Granbell. Since then, I have been able to improve my skills and have produced another sword for you. This one being Legendary Grade." – said Dorian and offered me his new creation.
According to Dorian, the new sword was made from an alloy of Magisteel and gold called Orichalcum, and was supposedly much stronger than regular Magisteel. It was shaped like a bastard sword, with a simple gold hilt. It was very light, but as strong as diamond. I couldn't wait to use it.
"I also added a new function to it." – Dorian commented, clearly excited by the progress of his work. "While you have the sword in hand, imbue it with magic, and think of another type of weapon... say a war hammer."
I followed Dorian's instructions, and to everyone's surprise, the blade changed shape and transformed into a large war hammer.
"This sword, is both a sword, and whatever type of weapon the user wishes, while maintaining the same properties." – Dorian explained while we all looked at the war hammer in amazement.
"This is a great sword, Dorian! This time you managed to surprise us all! Very good work!" – I congratulated the Elf, who seemed to grow with each one of the compliments.
After the conversation about the sword ended, it was Arachne's turn.
"I also have a gift for you, Lord Rogan." – Arachne said as she handed me two boxes.
When I opened the first one, I found an impressive suit. It was made entirely of the highest quality spider silk. It was completely black, but when the light hit it, it gave off silver sparkles. It consisted of a sleeveless top, tight pants, a belt with a sword attachment, and a jacket that appeared to be black leather. According to Raziel, the entire suit was the equivalent of Legendary Grade armor, with all sorts of resistances, including resistance to spiritual attacks.
"This suit is the culmination of my effort and that of my offspring." – Arachne said, while caressing a small spider that was perched on her shoulder. "And with a little help from Dorian, we made these for you, too. It is sure to make a great impression if you wear it to the Walpurgis." – She continued, pointing to the second box.
In the second box I found a pair of black leather boots, with soles made of Magisteel; and some shoulder pads that seemed to be of the same metal. They matched the rest of the suit.
"Wow, guys. You've done a great job! I will definitely be taking this to the Walpurgis!" – I congratulated Arachne and the others.
"Thank you, Lord Rogan. I also have to report that we have increased our production of cloth and clothing. Already the demand of the city has been fulfilled, and we are preparing to satisfy any demand that arises from other countries, when you order us to do so." - Arachne continued.
"Very well. Keep up the good work." – I told Arachne. "As for you, Arthur. You will go with me to the Walpurgis, but before we go, I want you to plan with your subordinates the construction of some barracks on the castle grounds, where the soldiers can rest and train. I also want you to be in communication with Hiroka. I want that when she finishes exploring the island, our construction projects will expand to other places on the island."
"What do you have in mind, Lord Rogan?" - Arthur asked me.
"I want to turn this island into a paradisiacal place, where all kinds of creatures come not only to buy our products, but also to admire our island. One thing I have noticed is that this world lacks entertainment. Even in Ingrasia, which is one of the most modern and developed places I have ever seen, there were very few theaters, operas and art galleries. Not to mention things like vacation beaches or amusement parks. I want to turn the island into a vacation destination where everyone can come to relax." – I commented, while everyone looked at me as if I had suddenly grown a second head. "My future plans are to build a gate that possesses spatial magic within the city. This gate will be connected to another gate in Rimuru City, once you ask him for permission. Then we will build roads to various points on the coasts of the island, where we will build large hotels and attractions of all kinds to attract tourists from all over the world."
"What are hotels, Lord Rogan?" – a confused Tuatha asked me.
"They are something like a large inn that can hold hundreds of people. They were very common in my previous world." – I told them.
"You are from another world, Lord Rogan?" – A very surprised Dorian asked me, and I realize that I haven't told my story to everyone.
So, I tell them everything, about my death, my reincarnation, and how I met everyone. We talked late into the night, making plans for the future of our island.
The other two days passed without a hitch, and at last the day of the Walpurgis arrived. We were waiting outside the castle, when the ominous door appeared, and from it, Misery came out.
"Goodnight. I have come to accompany Lord Rogan to the place where the Walpurgis will be held." - Misery said, her voice politely flat.
"Goodnight. Is it okay for me to bring two of my subordinates with me?" – I asked.
"Yes. But only two can accompany you." – she replied.
Rogue and Arthur walked with me as I followed Misery through the door, which closed behind us.
The place we arrived at, was a large circular room, with several spatial gates in the walls. It was those doors that guests would come out of, I imagined. A large round table had been placed in the center of the room, with twelve chairs equally spaced from one another. There were ten Demon Kings, besides Rimuru and me, so all the chairs should have been filled. As I approached the table, I noticed that I was the last to arrive, and that all eyes were directed at me. I had chosen to go in my true Lich form; my pale skin, and the crown of blue flames. My right eye shone with a sapphire brilliance, while I had decided to forget the patch that covered my Oculus tonight. I had come dressed in the suit that Arachne had created for me, and the sword that Dorian had created, which I decided to call Duskrend after it had taken on a dark coloration after giving it the same treatment as the Oculus, was strapped to my belt.
There were two seats available, one next to a huge blue haired guy, and one next to Rimuru. Since I had no idea who the others were, I decided to sit next to Rimuru.
"Now that we're all here, I'll introduce the attendees." – started Rain.
"Demon. Lord of Darkness. Guy Crimson." – Rain said, indicating her master. Guy looked exactly like the last time I had seen him, even his clothes were the same. He was sitting in the chair opposite Rimuru, his arms crossed and his eyes closed, though I was sure he could see everything around him.
"Pixie. Labyrinth Master. Ramiris." – Rain said, pointing to a little fairy sitting next to Guy. She was so small that she could fit in the palm of a hand. Was she seriously a Demon King? She was dressed in a tiny black dress, and a spiritual light seemed to come from within her, illuminating her body and making her blond hair, which had been braided into two pigtails, glow. When her name was called, she hovered a bit above her seat. Behind her I could see Treyni and some kind of doll-like Golem, dressed in black.
"Dragonoid. Destroyer. Milim Nava." – Rain said, indicating Milim. She was exactly the same as the last time I saw her. Except maybe, for a new necklace around her neck, and for the vacant look she had, as if she wasn't quite there.
"Giant. Earthquake. Daggruell." - Rain said, indicating the big guy with blue hair. He was dressed in something like a large toga, which barely hid the large muscles he possessed. Wearing a serious expression, he sat with his arms crossed, looking at everyone intently.
"Vampire. Bloody Lord. Roy Valentine." – Rain said, indicating a blonde guy with a serious expression, covered by a large black cape. Behind him stood two other vampires. One appeared to be a butler of some sort, while the other appeared to be a beautiful, silver-haired servant girl. Raziel informed me that the maid was much more powerful than the Demon King himself, so I suspected there was something strange going on with them.
"Fallen. Sleeping Ruler. Deeno." – Rain said, pointing to a boy with slightly silver hair, who until now had been sleeping on the table all the time. When his name was called, he raised sleepy eyes for a moment, and then went back to sleep.
"Harpy. Sky Queen. Frey." – Rain said, pointing to a beautiful and sensual woman with white hair. She was dressed in a little red dress, which could barely contain her breasts. A pair of white wings with gold highlights protruded from her back.
"Deathman. Marionette Master. Clayman." - Rain said, pointing to the man who sat to my right. His hair was ashen white, his ears pointed. He was dressed in an elegant white suit, and in his arms, he held a small three-tailed fox, which Raziel told me was a Cryptid, like Esteno. So, this was Clayman. This was the guy who had caused so much suffering to me and my people. I felt an immediate antipathy towards him.
"Demonoid. Platinum Saber. Leon Cromwell." – Rain said, pointing to a young man with blond hair, sitting on the other side of Rimuru. His piercing blue eyes showed no emotion.
"Slime. Leader of the Jura Tempest Federation. Rimuru Tempest." – Rain said pointing to Rimuru, sitting next to me, who nodded. Behind him stood Ranga and Shion. I expected Rogue and Ranga to get along.
"And finally. Lich. King of Avalon. Rogan. This concludes the introductions." – Rein finished, pointing at me. Although they hid it quite well, everyone except Guy seemed surprised that I was a Demon King. Even Rimuru looked at me in surprise when Rein introduced me, as this was the first time, he had seen me in my true form.
Once Rein finished introducing us all, Clayman stood up.
"One moment. Guy, can you tell me who our surprise guest is?" - Clayman said, pointing at me. He didn't seem very pleased with my presence.
"This is Demon King Rogan. I met him recently and decided to give him my stamp of approval, which is why I invited him to today's Walpurgis." - Guy replied.
Clayman seemed to want to protest, but since Guy was the most powerful being in the room, he seemed to think it better and addressed everyone present.
"Thank you very much for answering my call. Let the banquet begin. I declare the start of Walpurgis, the feast of the Demon Kings" – Clayman said with a superior tone.
The others watched in silence, though if looks could kill, Clayman's head would have exploded at the look Rimuru directed at him. After the incident with Charybidis, his resentment was normal. Once Clayman realized that no one was going to sing him cheers or anything like that, he proceeded to give a long speech stating that Demon King Carrion, who was absent, prompted Rimuru to introduce himself as Demon King. As proof of this, he said that Carrion's troops were hiding in Tempest. He paused, as if waiting for someone to say something, but they all remained silent. He went on to imply that Carrion motivated the Kingdom of Falmuth to attack the Great Forest of Jura, and that, in order to deal with this threat, Rimuru and his people accepted Carrion's help and attacked the humans. He further stated that after Rimuru defeated Farmuth, he proclaimed himself the Demon King and that Carrion supported his declaration. He went on to state that these acts were against the agreements of the Council of Demon Kings, and that one of his subordinates died at the hands of Rimuru, to get all that information, causing Clayman to decide to take revenge. He hinted that Rimuru conspired with Carrion to kill him, and that Milim was angry upon discovering Carrion's betrayal and thus ravaged Eurazania and killed Carrion. He ended his speech by adding that we should finish off Rimuru, for daring to proclaim himself a Demon King.
After Clayman, it was Rimuru's turn. He started out strong, calling Clayman a liar. He went on to say that he didn't care whether he was a Demon King or not, that everything Clayman had said about Carrion was a lie, and that Falmuth had attacked them out of sheer greed. He said that the subordinate that Clayman claimed Rimuru had killed was alive and under his protection. Next, he summoned a sphere in the center of the table. In it we could see how one of Clayman's subordinates became Charybdis, and Footman and Tear announcing that the army that Clayman had sent to Eurazania had been defeated by Tempest's forces. At this, Clayman tried to make us believe that Rimuru was fabricating this evidence with magic, but I doubted that was true. He then went on to say that Rimuru had destroyed Farmtuh's army by breaking Veldora's seal, taking credit for himself.
Given this, Clayman was interrupted by Dagruell who questioned the veracity of Clayman's story, to which he responded with more lies.
After some more discussion, Rimuru's patience seemed to run out and he made the table disappear, causing Clayman to move away and Dino, who had been sleeping the entire time, to fall to the floor. At the protest of Clayman and Rimuru, Guy decided to resolve the conflict with a battle. Guy created a powerful barrier that separated Clayman and his subordinates and Rimuru and his, from the rest of us, and we all sat down to watch the battle.
After an intense battle between Rimuru and his subordinates, and Clayman and his; the surprise appearance of the Storm Dragon Veldora, and Milim demonstrating that she was deceiving Clayman the whole time, and the sudden appearance of the supposedly dead Carrion, Clayman was seemingly defeated.
When it seemed that everything was going to end, Clayman initiates a faulty awakening as a True Demon King. Again Rimuru faced him, ultimately defeating him and absorbing him with his Ultimate Skill Beelzebub. When Clayman was finally defeated, Raziel informed me...
Warning.
The user has witnessed the death of the target.
Conditions for acquiring the Unique Skill "Manipulator" through Ultimate Skill "Neltharion" have been met.
The user has obtained the Unique Skill "Manipulator" but the skill is incompatible with the user's will...
Unique Skill "Manipulator" will be transformed into energy.
Evolution of the Unique Skill "Kin Maker" using the energy obtained through sacrificing Unique Skill "Manipulator" is possible…
Unique Skill "Kin Maker" has evolved to Ultimate Skill "Familiar King Legion"
After Clayman's second defeat, and Veldora announcing to everyone that the maid accompanying Demon King Valentine was actually Luminous Valentine, the real Demon King, we all returned to our seats and Rimuru returned the table to its place. Rein and Misery served us tea and wine.
As we drank tea, Demon King Leon spoke.
"Ah," – he said, "I just remembered. I thought I had heard the name Kazalim somewhere before, but that's the demon lord I killed, isn't it?"
Who is Kazalim?
It was one of the names Clayman was asking for help before Rimuru destroyed him.
Oh yeah. I remember. Yes, he called out several names and that was one of them.
"So how is this Kazalim related to Clayman?" - Rimuru asked.
"Kazalim was the Curse Lord," - Carrion explained. "You and he recommended me to this post, didn't you, Milim?"
"Ohhh, him! The Curse Lord, I remember. Huh. So that's the demon lord Leon killed?" – Milim said, finally remembering.
"Right. Kazalim was a Deathman like Clayman," - said Carrion, his voice a tad nostalgic. "A unique monster, he said, evolved by himself from an elf. I was kinda friendly with him, so that's what he told me. The two of them must've been connected behind the scenes. Clayman took over Kazalim's old seat, besides."
"Is Kazalim still alive? Maybe he just pretended Leon killed him, and he's hiding out somewhere?" – Rimuru said.
"Yeah," - agreed Carrion, "that might be the case. He was a really sharp guy, you know? You had to be even more careful with him than Clayman."
"Well," - Leon naturally objected, "I don't much like you phrasing it like I let him get away. He invited me to join his force, claiming he would help me become a demon lord. Turning him down would have led to assorted annoyances, so I decided to defeat him and seize his position. Whether he's alive or dead, it doesn't matter to me."
After chatting some more about this Kazalim, and his possible link to Clayman and the Moderate Harlequins Alliance, the Council continued. Since Clayman, the one who had called the meeting, was dead, Guy took his place.
"The main subject of this Council was Carrion's betrayal and the rise of Rimuru over there, but those issues have been settled. Carrion has betrayed no one, and Rimuru has demonstrated ample power to join our ranks. Personally, I'd be happy to adjourn this session here, but an opportunity like this doesn't come along every day. Does anyone have something they'd like to say to the other demon lords?"
"Could I, perhaps? Since we're in the middle of this Council, I have a suggestion to give, or really, more a request," - Frey said.
"Certainly. Go ahead."
Frey gave at Guy. "Starting today, I've decided to serve Milim. As a result, I want to abdicate from my seat as a demon lord."
"Whoa, that's kind of sudden, isn't it?"
"Wait, Frey! I didn't hear anything about that!"
"No, because I didn't say anything about it. But I've been thinking about it for a while, do you see?" - She squinted, as if looking at some faraway point. Then she laughed, like she was recalling something amusing. "Well," she resolutely stated, "I have my reasons. But the most important one is that I think I'm too weak to be a demon lord. I realized that for sure watching that battle just now; if I fought against Clayman, I'd be lucky to even match him. As for an awakened Clayman, I don't see how I could win…"
"But, Frey," - Daggrull interrupted, "you specialize in high-speed aerial combat, do you not? I see no reason to depreciate yourself like this."
"You're right. If it was in the air, I would have the advantage. But demon lords don't have the right to make excuses. Besides, I know quite well how having an advantage doesn't mean anything, at times."
She paused to give me a look, her voice resolved.
"So, I've decided to become one of Milim's followers instead. Plus, Milim can't afford to be as selfish as she is forever, can she? She needs to think about managing her domain, sooner or later.
Shortly after Frey's announcement, Carrion also announced that he would be leaving his position as Demon King to serve Milim. Milim, who didn't like having subordinates, immediately objected, but was completely ignored.
After this, it was time to vote on whether I could join the Council of Demon Kings. I personally had no interest in doing it, but I knew Guy would turn me to dust if I said that out loud, so I kept my opinion to myself.
"Now, it's time to vote for Rogan's appointment to Demon King. If anyone objects, you can say so." - Guy said.
"If he's strong, I have no problem." – Demon King Dagruell said.
"Do what you want, I have no interest in the other Demon Kings." – said the Demon King Leon Cromwell.
"If you nominated him, it must be for something, Guy. I agree." – said the Demon King Luminous Valentine.
"I agree…" – Deeno said, and then went back to sleep.
The rest also said yes, so I became a member of the Council of Demon Kings. Everything seemed to be going well, until Rimuru spoke...
"Huh, so we aren't the Ten Great Demon Lords any longer?" – he said, and everyone in the room reacted.
"That is a concern," - Daggrull rumbled. "In terms of our dignity, we will need to consider a new name."
"Fortunately, Walpurgis is still under way. We have all our demon lords here. Now would be a wonderful time to brainstorm." – said Luminous.
"Oooh yes, it was a real mess the last go-round. Our numbers kept going up and down, and we had to hold so many darn Councils to settle on a new name each time!"
Did these almighty Demon Kings get together for nonsense like this? I was beginning to think that these people had a lot of free time.
"You're right," - said Daggrull . "The Ten Great Demon Lords thing stuck after the humans came up with that, didn't it? After we wasted all that time thinking something up. Well, I'm through with it. I don't have the wherewithal to think about it."
"Silence, you! All you did was complain. I don't remember a single constructive suggestion from your end!" - Valentine exclaimed.
"What're you talking about, Valentine? You left that whole process to Roy, did you not?!" – said Deeno.
"OK, people. Calm down. We need to show some cooperation for a change. We can overcome this!" – intervened Guy.
It was kind of funny, seeing them argue like that.
"Oh? If that's the problem, then my Rimuru's a real professional!" – Said Veldora.
In the end, it was up to Rimuru to decide what our next name would be.
"How about a nonagram, you know, like a nine-pointed star?" - Rimuru asked.
"In fact, if it's okay with everyone, I'd like to remain anonymous for the time being." – I intervened. "The title of Demon King seems to attract all kinds of crazy people, to try and beat you. My territory is young, and our population is still small. If someone attacked, I could deal with it, but my citizens could be affected. So, I would prefer to remain a member of the Council, in all but name."
"Well, I think it's your right to remain anonymous, Rogan." - Rimuru agreed. "So how about Octagram, which is an eight-pointed star."
"Settled, then. Quite lovely."
"Yeah? I told you! I just knew Rimuru would pull it off for us!"
"Impressive. I can see Veldora's recommendation was an apt one."
"Hmph. Well, so be it. Perhaps you are slightly talented."
"Dang! Just like that! wow. Like, what was with all the trouble we had last time anyway?"
"…Mm."
They all agreed, and we were named Octagram:
"Lord of Darkness" Guy Crimson (Demon)
"Destroyer" Milim Nava (Dragonoid)
"Labyrinth Master" Ramiris (Pixie)
"Earthquake" Daggruell (Giant)
"Queen of Nightmares" Luminous Valentine (Vampire)
"Sleeping Ruler" Deeno (Fallen)
"Platinum Saber" Leon Cromwell (Demonoid)
"Newbie" Rimuru Tempest (Slime)
And me:
"Ghost" Rogan (Lich)
The nickname was definitely not my idea. Guy just thought it would be funny, since I was a member of the Octagram that no one knew about.