10 hours until departure.

Having arrived back at the hotel suite, and having been kept waiting for the last few hours, Subaru felt himself growing anxious, no matter how much he tried to keep himself calm. It was at times like this that he really envied Rem's ability to remain stoic nearly at all times. And to his annoyance, Sebas seemed to be the same way. "This must be some kinda lifelong maid/butler secret technique that they're trying to keep to themselves."

Subaru found himself wondering just what Demiurge was out there doing.

"Hey, Sebas. There's something I have been curious about. I know Demiurge is off doing recon. But how's he getting around?" Asking too many questions was something that he felt could be potentially dangerous. But even still, Subaru hoped he could phrase things in a way that sounded innocuous. Besides, Sebas came off as the kind of guy who would not take offense to something as simple as this. He remembered that it was a fair journey to get from this city to Roswaal's domain. And Flugel's Tree, where he knew the White Whale would appear, was right in between that.

Rem had also wondered the same thing. If they wanted to make it on time in a dragon carriage, they should have already departed. But Sebas didn't seem to be in any rush.

"He is likely flying." Sebas responded, as if it was the most normal thing ever. But, this information threw both Subaru and Rem for a loop! Subaru had already been blown away when he learned Roswaal had the capability to fly, which he used for personal transportation. Subaru remembered feeling envious at the time. But Sebas was not yet finished. "And Demiurge will also be the one to arrange our transportation to the destination."

"He can fly?!"

Subaru really shouldn't have been surprised. "If these guys really aren't from this world, then there's no telling the amount of crazy stuff they can do. I mean, the fact that they're so willing to help me tackle the White Whale is proof of that." But that left something else for Subaru to wonder. He knew that he was from Earth. From Japan. And there was this world here that they currently resided in, within the nation of Lugunica. So did that mean there were other worlds out there? Including the one from which Sebas and Demiurge lived? Instead of being overwhelmed by this possibility, the Japanese teen felt placated, almost. Whatever! All those other possibilities had nothing to do with him or his current situation.

Just as Subaru was thinking about how cool, and probably stomach-churning it would be to be able to soar the skies, the group's resident sky man himself returned to the room, having opened and closed the door with very little attention being brought to himself.

"Greetings, everyone. I apologize for making everyone wait." Just like before, Demiurge's voice seemed to travel its way into one's very heart, making every word he spoke sound uncomfortably charming.

Stepping forward, the first one to speak was, surprisingly Sebas. "Demiurge, did you encounter anything particularly noteworthy during your outing?" This was a good question. The very first time that Subaru encountered the White Whale, was one of the most frightening moments of his entire life. His body still shivered uncomfortably from the memory. The thing came completely out of nowhere and there was no time to prepare any sort of defense. All he could do was run away. It would be good if Demiurge hadn't encountered any kind of strange activity in the vicinity of the Liphas Highway.

"I did not. However, I did survey the area within a five-mile radius from the location in which Subaru mentioned. There was neither anything unusual about the area in the slightest." And Flugel's Tree was impossible to miss. The countryside surrounding the tree was the perfect open battleground.

This answer pleased Subaru. The last thing that he wanted to happen, aside from this mission and end up being a failure, was any unsuspecting travelers happening upon the battle and getting caught up in it. However, he thought such a scenario was unlikely. Given that the White Whale was a well-known monster in this country, if anyone saw a gigantic veil of mist in a place it didn't belong, surely they would have the common sense to run the other way?

Turning to Demiurge, there was something else that Subaru felt he needed to explain. Though there were of course a couple of details he needed to keep to himself, he wanted to be as candid as possible to ensure he had the trust of these two men. Repeating a situation like with the Karsten duchess was inadvisable. " I know that I said that I don't really have any skills in combat. And that's true. I'm pretty sure everybody here could beat me up without even breaking a sweat. But, there is one thing that I can bring to the table." Subaru wouldn't necessarily say he was proud of this ability. Was it an ability? Or just a good part of a bad package? Either way, the advice he had been given earlier by Demiurge instantly returned to the forefront of his mind. "All things that can be exploited must be exploited, right? Well, that's exactly what we're gonna do! I have this curious skill that allows me to attract the attention of mabeasts, no matter how big or small."

Upon hearing this, Sebas turned to the Japanese teen in apparent interest. "Are you saying you have the ability to control hate, Subaru?" Being able to route the enemy toward oneself and away from all other allies was something of great value. Though, if the user was alone, the usefulness of such a skill drastically diminished. Especially if they were alone.

"Yeah! When I activate it, they lose control of their own senses and try to jump me like I'm a piece of meat." But, if he thought about the situation involving the vicious pack of mabeasts in the forest outside Roswaal's mansion, then from their perspective, a piece of meat was exactly what any living thing was.

Upon hearing this information, Demiurge smiled fiendishly. It took no less than a second for his incredible mind to process a response that would again reduce the odds of failure for their cause. "If that is the case, then I believe I know someone who will be a valuable help to you in this upcoming battle, Subaru."

But before he could voice his curiosity on just what exactly the man in red was referring to, Demiurge came to the decision that they should depart right at this very moment and continue their strategy meeting at Flugel's Tree. As far as he was concerned, there was nothing wrong with getting to the scene of the action a little bit early period. After all, it was probably better to avoid a worst-case scenario where the Whale perhaps showed up earlier than expected. However, Subaru did not feel that would be the case.

"Sebas has told us that you possess the ability to fly. But, how will you transport all four of us so large a distance? Would it not be a great strain on you to do so?" It was Rem who asked this question, having come to Subaru's side. She spoke in a tone that was even more polite than her usual one when addressing someone.

Turning toward the blue-haired maid, Demiurge was elated to reveal that he would of course not be bringing them to their destination by air. "I have multiple ways of getting from place to place. And the one in which we shall make use of will be truly expedient."

Coming to join the rest of the group, Sebas informed Subaru and Rem that this would be their time to leave. From here on, everything would begin. "In case you have grown attached to this room, I would suggest you give it a final once over. We may not be returning for some time."

Subaru found this to be amusing. He liked staying in an expensive hotel as much as the next guy, but that wouldn't matter if he didn't stop a certain overgrown fish from wreaking havoc. "We appreciate the heads-up. But to be honest with you, I kinda wanna get this thing over with ASAP." And though he sounded eager to begin, his eyes held the expression of one who had waited far too long to accomplish a goal. And this was something that Demiurge did not fail to notice.

"Well then, if that is all, I shall commence with our transportation."

[Greater Teleportation].

And with that, the four occupants of the room vanished in a flash of blue light.

It happened in an instant.

The scene around them changed from that of a high-class hotel suite to that of the open area that was the Liphas Highway.

And in front of them was the sight of the Great Flugel Tree.

Subaru, Rem, Sebas, and Demiurge had arrived.

The two servants of the Roswaal mansion looked around them with dumbfounded expressions on their faces, but Subaru was a little bit quicker to recover. "Did we just...teleport?"

Turning to them, Demiurge nodded to confirm his thoughts. "I assume this is the first time either of you have been moved from one location to another in this way?" Part of the reason Demiurge had come to this location in the first place was not simply to do reconnaissance. He wanted to ensure he could bring everyone else, negating any need for a land journey. This way, they arrived safely, and if necessary, they could leave the same way.

"Jeez, it's not anything like I imagined it to be. But even though he said that, he was not disappointed. Subaru had heard too many stories in fiction about how teleportation was one of the most unpleasant, and sometimes sickening feelings for someone who was unaccustomed to such a measure of transportation. He wouldn't have been surprised if he and his companion ended up on the ground and throwing up due to some kind of mysterious disorientation. "What did you think about it, Rem?"

Silent for a few moments, the maid did not immediately respond. Though the journey was not overwhelmingly long, it was still a few hours' ride in a dragon carriage from the capital to this part of the highway. How was it possible they had been transported so many miles, seemingly without effort? Surely such a thing would have taken an immense amount of effort? And yet Demiurge accomplished this feat and looked no worse for wear. Even her master, Roswaal was not capable of such a thing, to her knowledge. Was it possible that this malevolent demon had abilities that eclipsed even the greatest magic user in the kingdom of Lugunica? "Rem does not feel badly at all. But it was a surprising thing to experience."

At the moment, all she could do was put those thoughts out of her mind. They had other things to prepare for.

"Now then, knowing I have the ability to teleport, I am sure that Sebas told you I made my way here to this location the first time by flight. Now knowing this, I am sure everyone here is astute enough to realize what this means when we encounter our foe, yes?" In the mind of Demiurge, the answer was obvious. But it took Subaru a few moments to pick up on what he was putting down.

Subaru's eyes widened, a look of hope spreading through every fiber of his body. "The ability to create distance like that. If you use that teleport ability, then there's no way the White Whale will trap us inside that damn mist!" He didn't know what the distance limit of Demiurge's teleportation was. But, if he could transport them dozens of miles so easily, he was greatly confident that the mist of the Whale would become significantly less threatening. There was no way the White Whale's fog could cover a distance that massive.

But there was more to be excited about. And this time, it was Rem who spoke. "And since Demiurge is able to fly, the White Whale will not be able to flee without one of us giving chase." She felt Subaru's joy flowing into her. He truly had found allies who would become the key to ending this unflattering trap her hero had found himself in.

The Japanese teen thrust his fist into the air, a victorious feeling spreading through him! "This is fantastic! It's like these guys were made to be the perfect counter for that damned monster!" At this particular moment, Subaru felt that there was nothing that could bring him down. But, only a few moments later, he was quickly proven wrong. By Sebas, no less!

"I do hate to bring you news of misfortune. But there is one bit of information I must deliver. Demiurge and I will not be participating in this battle."

Subaru felt as if time had stopped. Rem's earlier sensation of joy vanished.

This must have been what it felt like to have the ground immediately crumble away under one's feet, dropping them into a chasm of hopelessness.

They weren't going to help? After all this, they were going to have Subaru and Rem take on that massive monster by themselves? Subaru felt a cold sweat forming atop his forehead. He couldn't even find the words to respond with, speechless as he was. But to his luck, someone else spoke first.

"Ah, Sebas. Who would have ever thought you were one to crush the hopes of someone with such uncaring words." Even though Demiurge said this, and sounded amused at the idea of such a depressing thing, his tone remained the same controlled amusement as ever. "I believe Sebas has misspoken. Though it is true he and I will not directly become involved, I did promise to have someone assist you. And you need not worry. This person will ensure that your enemy's blood is at your feet."

He spoke with a confidence that made one think his words were a truth that was simply waiting to be born.

Waiting a few moments to collect his thoughts, Subaru breathed a sigh of relief. "Maaaan! Can you guys not scare me like that! I'm too young to be having this kinda stress on my nerves, y'know!" Subaru immediately thought that when Demiurge left the hotel earlier, he was probably arranging for this mysterious person to be brought up to speed on this operation. "But, this guy you're talking about. What kind of person is he? I mean, who'd be crazy enough to sign up for what we're doing? Is this person strong?"

"Not as strong as Sebas or I. But I truly believe that he will suffice for the situation. And speaking of, there is one more thing I believe I should provide the two of you with before everything begins." Because they would be dealing with a flying enemy and neither Subaru nor Rem were capable of doing so, they would need adequate air support if they were going to participate in this fight.

With a wave of his hand, what looked like a magic circle appeared on the ground, and began to glow an electric red color as something rose from its surface. It was a horse. But certainly not one that could be found on any ranch Subaru had ever seen! Its eyes burned a threatening crimson light, and its black fur strongly reminded Subaru of something that had been burned. All four of its feet were wreathed in rings of fire that for some reason, wasn't burning the vibrant, green grass they were all standing on. "This is an Inferno Stallion. I believe it will be a useful mount for your aerial needs."

To say Subaru was freaked out would have been a colossal understatement! It was a whole lot more common in this world for people to use ground dragons as a means of common transportation. But, because Subaru had only explored such a very small part of a single country, he didn't know if other beasts of burden were used in other places. But none of that was even the issue! All Demiurge did was wave his hand and this 10 foot tall, flaming horse rose up from the ground! "Seriously, it's like this guy can do a little bit of everything."

Subaru didn't know how close to the truth he was with that thought. Demiurge did consider himself a jack of all trades, after all. "You may not believe it so easily, but Inferno Stallions are demons that are capable of impressive flight speed. And to add, they also have impressive stamina, meaning that two people riding atop will be no issue." But, if Subaru was hoping this summon would have any impressive combative abilities, he would have been disappointed.

But even still, this was going to take some getting used to. After all, he wasn't skilled in equestrianism. And to add to that, "I kinda don't want my balls being burned off by sitting on this thing, you know? And also, I...don't really know how to ride." He felt rather embarrassed to even be saying this out loud when they were so close to a showdown. However, to his relief, once again the blue-haired maid came to his rescue. "But Rem does."

Looking over to her, Subaru wordlessly asked for an explanation. "Rem and sister received a formal education along with our domestic duties. The riding of multiple transport creatures was part of the curriculum, Subaru." for some reason, he didn't even know why he was surprised to hear this. After all, he had seen her competently drive a dragon carriage multiple times.

"Well, I guess there's no time like to present to do a little bit of practice."

With more than a few hours to spare, Subaru and Rem began to familiarize themselves with the riding techniques involved in maneuvering with a massive demonic horse.

Three hours in, and both Subaru and Rem were fortunate enough to have not yet fallen off the summon that Demiurge had provided them. It seemed that Rem truly had not been exaggerating when she mentioned she was skilled in riding. And true to his word, the Inferno Stallion had not stopped for a break even once. The duo had practiced both on land as well as in the air, and the fiery steed proved to be just as enduring as one might hope for with an upcoming battle that could last for who knew how long.

From the sidelines, both Sebas and Demiurge watched with unreadable expressions.

"So then, Sebas, what do you think?"

"I believe Subaru will fare well enough. Especially with all the support you have given him. Quite uncharacteristic of you, if I must say, Demiurge." When it came to helping others, the only time Sebas had ever seen Demiurge do so with no ulterior motive was when he was lending aid to one of their own comrades. But anyone else was almost always nothing more than a puppet being moved to the preferences of the bespectacled demon beside him. "If we are able to procure the corpse of this White Whale, I believe Lord Ainz will be quite pleased. The bodies of unique creatures can be used for a great variety of means."

After all, that was how he and his associate were standing here in this world in the first place.

"Yes. This creature is likely one of a kind. It would be folly to allow it to merely roam free with no direction." Demiurge's heart had not been moved upon being told that the White Whale had been responsible for an untold number of disasters and death. But he did find it to be quite sad. Not because he would weep for those victims. But because their deaths had accomplished nothing. "We must not waste resources. You must remember to use all things for as long as possible and take everything from them that they can offer." The words of that exalted being jumped to the front of Demiurge's mind, and he took the words to heart.

"So then, who do you plan to bring forth in order to assist Subaru and Rem? I do not doubt your decisions, but..." Sebas could not help but wonder if the Seventh Floor Guardian had something else in mind. Strictly speaking, he and Demiurge did not get along with one another. Sebas even had trouble voicing why. That said, it would be foolhardy to doubt the opinions of one who possessed a mind as great as his. And besides, they served the same master. With that, Sebas was confident they could succeed in this trial and return home to receive the thanks of their lord. To that end, Sebas would continue to do his utmost to support the devil at his side.

"I plan to summon one of my personal subordinates." Upon hearing this, Sebas knew it could only be a very select group that Demiurge planned to bring forth. If that was the case, everything should proceed well. Especially with the two of them watching from a distance. "Attaining the greatest results is the only way we may return to receive the favor of our master, after all." Bringing back a prize such as the White Whale would no doubt be a great boon to their lord. But Demiurge also believed making contact with Subaru Natsuki was the correct choice. Though he at times disdained Sebas' strange sense of caring for these lesser life forms, in this instance, he appears to have chosen to aid someone who was not completely worthless. Because of this, Demiurge found himself silently applauding the butler.

The White Whale was a creature that supposedly appeared and vanished with no pattern. And yet a boy such as Subaru Natsuki claimed to know the exact time and place of its next arrival. Demiurge did not believe in those sorts of coincidences. Which is what led him to the belief that Subaru had encountered this creature before. And he wanted it dead.

And dead it would soon be.

Having decided to take a break from their riding lesson, Subaru and Rem felt as if they had the hang of this Inferno Stallion thingy. Really, all Subaru could be thankful for was that the creature really didn't melt his balls. That would be an embarrassing situation to need to be healed from.

Not that they were on some kind of class field trip, but Subaru felt the desire to get an up-close look at the Flugel Tree. After all, there was no way this thing wasn't an important landmark.

"It…sure is huuuge."

"You seem very happy, Subaru."

Looking up to the point that his neck hurt, Subaru almost couldn't see the top of the tree because the trunk was so tall. With how it jutted up from the earth, its great roots spreading all around its base, Subaru couldn't keep his honest feelings of excitement off his lips. "How could I not be? This tree is seriously impressive! Hard to believe it's survived for who knows how long!" Looking at it, Subaru couldn't help but feel so small in comparison.

Sitting down at the base of the tree, he noticed that the sun had set by this point and darkness was taking over the skies. One nice thing about having been thrust into a world like this against his will was that he could always enjoy the sight of a beautiful night sky that was untouched by artificial light pollution. The way Mother Nature intended it to be!

"And this is the place where the White Whale will arrive?"

"Yeah. It should be showing up, soon."

This was the spot where #2 of his great enemies would come to. No matter what happened, Subaru was going to make sure that beast didn't ever leave this place.

"Subaru?"

"Yeah?"

"Rem has been wondering just how Subaru is aware of something like the White Whale's arrival for some time, now."

These words struck him like an arrow. This was a conversation that he absolutely was not expecting to get into. Especially not at a time like this. Why in the world would she talk about this when they were so close to their goal? Subaru partially froze up. He couldn't think of how he was supposed to respond to that.

It was the same thing when those mabeasts had kidnapped the children from Arlam Village. He'd somehow sensed the threat, even from within the walls of the mansion. Subaru seemed to have some uncanny ability to know when danger was afoot. And the first time she saw him put it into action was when he was running to the defense of those who had no hope of protecting themselves, even if he was putting himself in danger, too.

"Rem must admit that it is strange for you to know these things. However, in the past day, many things Rem never knew have come to pass right before our eyes." Being with Subaru, she began to see and feel so many things that she never would have experienced if he never came into her life. If he could not tell her why he knew what he claimed, she felt within the very depths of her heart that there was a justifiable reason. To say she did not believe him, it would be to betray the wounds he suffered for her sake. And it would put Rem on the same level as all the people who had turned him away when he asked for help.

And Rem would never do that. She would not doubt. Subaru, through his actions, had earned her trust.

"You do not have to say anything more than what you are comfortable with, Subaru. I adore you with all this body and all this heart, Subaru—furthermore, now and in the future, I shall never, ever doubt you, Subaru."

Hearing her say this, Subaru felt full of confidence. He had promised himself that he would learn to better control his emotions, but against his will, a tinge of red filled his cheeks. But he did not avert his eyes from the blue-haired maid. "I promise I'll do everything in my power to prove worthy of this trust, Rem. I won't let you down!" Definitely not! This time, he wouldn't put everything on Rem. This time, they would be fighting side by side. And this time, they would taste victory!

He remembered something Sebas told him when they first met. Living in this world was no easy thing. This, Subaru already knew. And in order to succeed in everything he wanted to do, he needed to strength, and he needed to be strong. Rem already saw the latter within him so much sooner than he ever did. And tonight, he would show her strength.

Reconvening with Sebas and Demiurge, the arrival of Subaru and Rem could only mean one thing.

Having checked his phone, Subaru now remembered that this was about the exact moment where the demon beast of the mist had jumped him when he was riding by dragon carriage in a failed loop.

"We probably have a few more minutes left. So, Demiurge, don't tell me your pal got cold feet?" Though he said this, Subaru didn't truly believe it. Demiurge seemed like the type of person who would drag someone, kicking and screaming by the roots of their hair to accomplish a job they had agreed to do.

"I assure you, like the Inferno Stallion, this person does not have cold feet." The way Demiurge's fanged smile glinted in the moonlight, he seemed to give off that familiar air of malevolence.

With a confident nod, Subaru said, "That's good to hear." from this point on, he wasn't going to say anything else on that matter. He trusted that this mysterious person would show up when they showed up. There was no going back at this point.

"Subaru! Rem!"

The one to speak this time, was Sebas. The elderly butler had been mostly a silent observer ever since they'd departed their hotel room. Subaru could only hope he had some words of encouragement for him before they began. He certainly wouldn't turn them down.

"The two fo you must remember, though you are being provided aid by us, I believe this is still a battle that holds personal meaning for you." Sebas, who was not a native to this world, held no antipathy toward the White Whale. Though it had taken an innumerable amount of lives, he would feel no satisfaction in striking down a creature who roamed about following its natural instincts. "When you return from this, I believe you will be one step closer to understanding the true meaning of victory." After all, Sebas knew from the former look in his eye that Subaru Natsuki already understood the nature of defeat well enough.

"Tonight, you may be the ones to free many people from a 400-year long nightmare. I look forward to seeing the strength of your resolve."

Subaru and Rem nodded to the butler, both of them sharing in one another's strength. As long as the two of them worked together, neither of them would flinch from anything the White Whale could hit them with. Though, they certainly weren't going to neglect the power Sebas and Demiurge were lending them, either.

There seemed to be no further words that needed to be exchanged, because moments later, Subaru checked his phone one more time. The time was now.

The creature was so high up in the sky that it didn't even cast a shadow on the ground. However, what did betray its presence was the fact that it was flying directly in front of the pale moon. How unnatural was that? A mammal flying in the sky? From this distance on the ground, it was impossible to tell the exact size of the beast.

The White Whale had yet to notice the puny beings arrayed against it. The way the White Whale was moving its enormous head was as if to check where it was. And as it acted thus, its guard was down, full of openings—

This was it! Subaru was not wasting a single second. This time, it was the White Whale's turn to be the victim of a savage surprise attack! Bursting out onto the fields, the Inferno Stallion carried both Subaru and Rem at a breakneck pace, and the Japanese teen was quick to give his comrade the order:

"REM! WHOOP IT'S ASS!"

"Al Huma!"

From her incantation, four spikes of ice, each one of them over ten meters long, launched into the air and impaled the underbelly of the mabeast, sending splashes of blood cascading down to bathe the grass beneath them. Though its reaction was delayed, the beast let out what was undoubtedly a groan of pain. And it was music to Subaru's ears.

As Subaru and Rem raced off, it was at this point that Demiurge knew he would put the next phase of his plan into action. "You know what to do. We have to spread the news to the public, after all."

Having been given its orders, the unknown subordinate of the archdevil's vanished, even though it was unseen from the very start.

"And as for those two. I believe it is time to make good on my promise. Come out, now. And show this inferior creature the terror of your power." The mental command was clear and direct. And to the one who had been given the order, he responded without hesitation.

From this point on, the suffering of the beast of the mist would begin.

While up in the sky, the White Whale finally recovered from the shock of having been impaled from below. Looking down, the massive mabeast finally noticed the source of its sudden wounds. Two little somethings. And they were fleeing. But not for long. Changing its course of movement, the colossal whale soared downwards through the sky as if it were the open seas.

Traveling directly in front of the moonlight, Subaru and Rem had a perfect view of the creature as it stalked toward them, apparently having been enraged at being attacked so suddenly.

But this was exactly what Subaru wanted. Even though they had a way to meet it on its own turf, they wanted to get it near the ground. Following them so obediently when Subaru hadn't even made use of the Witch's Scent. The White Whale truly was a monster moving off instinct, just like those savage Ulgarms.

Unleashing a great roar that sounded nothing like what a normal whale could produce, the demon beast of the mist prepared to punish the weak beings who had caused it harm. Pain. It was not accustomed to feeling pain. And it did not like it.

Or rather, that was what it intended to do.

From out of the sky, something that looked like an immense fireball descended. But it wasn't falling aimlessly. The closer it got, the better Subaru and Rem could make out its form. But not before it collided with the White Whale's head, sending the immense creature plummeting horn-first into the ground with a thunderous shockwave being sent across the formerly peaceful plains! If Rem and Subaru had not familiarized themselves with riding their borrowed Inferno Stallion, they'd have been blasted away from the impact. Especially Subaru.

"To think that the White Whale could be struck like that..." Rem could only barely see through the dust as it began dispersing.

"What the hell was that?" His answer revealed itself a mere second later.

"It was me." The unfamiliar voice was deep and gave off an unsettling, metallic-like sound.

Standing atop the body of the White Whale was a fearsome-looking demon with a humanoid body completely covered in scales. Its arms were stout and powerful looking, while fiery wings protruded from its back and a serpentine tail slapped down on the flailing body of the fallen mabeast. Its entire body seemed to glow with a burning aura of flames that seemed to ignite, then dissipate every few seconds. The mouth of the demon was filled with dangerously sharp fangs as its expression changed into something that was probably a cruel smile.

"I-I guess you're the backup that Demiurge sent for us?" Subaru could only make this assumption, given that it was hard to speak. Just where was Demiurge getting these guys? Not that Subaru was going to turn down even further assistance. With just a single punch, whoever this demon was had floored the White Whale! "So...what do we call you?"

"A personal bodyguard of Demiurge. I am the Evil Lord of Wrath."

Late night though it may have been, a certain talk had lit the capital city aflame!

A merchant, having been on the way back to the city for the night had brought with him terrible news! The White Whale had been spotted flying above the Liphas Highway!

Supposedly this merchant had only seen the Whale from a distance, and he fled the scene quickly enough to where he was never noticed by the foul beast. This was the dream of every traveler who feared such a run-in.

This kind of talk could travel halfway around a city before the morning came. And it wasn't long before it reached the ears of a nameless warrior who was in the employ of a certain duchess.

Though this news was quickly spreading throughout the entire capital, for most, all it meant was some unlucky soul would likely be meeting an unfortunate fate very soon. After all, everyone knew that the Whale was a symbol of calamity. A thing to be feared by all people. Avoiding a beast such as that would be the desired goal for most people.

But Crusch Karsten, one of the five candidates to become the 42nd king of the Kingdom of Lugunica was not most people.

This was exactly what she and her forces had been planing for. To be able to quickly mobilize and move out at a moment's notice! They had no time to waste. None! This would be the achievement that would dispel all those who doubted her in her capacity as a leader. Crusch Karsten was currently the favorite to win the royal selection. But even with this in mind, nothing was a certainty. Ther were still those who she hadn't won over. Especially those who did not live within her family's domain. It was not easy to win the approval of such people.

But, a triumph over one of the Three Great Mabeasts was a feat no one could ignore.

The White Whale was a monster created by the Witch of Envy that had roamed the continent, destroying towns, savaging traveling merchants, and leaving nothing but death and destruction within its path. But there were those who had survived its rampages. Some, due to having been away from home at the time, others from having miraculously been left alive by the beast. But one thing was for certain. Many of the warriors and magicians within the walls of the Kasten family manor had lost friends and loved ones to the White Whale.

"The lives the White Whale has taken are beyond measure. Perhaps it is better to say, the mist's vile nature itself ensures that we will never know the true number of casualties. Over the course of four hundred years, the number of names on tombstones, and the graves that do not even have names, have only increased.

Crusch's words made some old men stare at the ground, gritting their teeth as they held back sobs. There were others whose chests contained fierce, inexhaustible emotion, quiet anger they had carried with them, waiting for a chance to let it explode. Their regrets, their hatred piled up with every corpse, began to envelop the atmosphere of the hall in stagnant darkness.

With her sheathed sword in hand, the green-haired duchess pointed her treasured weapon to the sky and shouted out, "Troops! We march to the Liphas Highway! And we will return victorious!" Crusch Karsten was answered with roars of battle-ready vigor from all those who had gathered to her banner. "This night, by our hand—the White Whale will fall!"

Great confidence filled the voices of all those present. The monster of the mist, which had claimed a truly immense number of lives over the course of the last four centuries, would finally be put to rest by the very men and women who it saw as mere victims.

The young duchess was truly skilled to have boosted this much morale in those who looked to her as their leader, especially against such a frightful beast as what they intended to face. But little did they know, Crusch Karsten was a day and a failed discussion short.