Barbatos's Challenge
Equites Faction – 3 Chapter 124
Barbatos asked whose idea it was. Nahen pondered how to answer. ‘This is…’ In the end, he decided it would be best to follow Seere’s lead. Whether he claimed the idea as his own or presented it as Seere’s made no difference. Either choice carried its own merits and drawbacks; he could simply act according to whatever response he gave.
Nahen glanced down at Seere. Feeling his gaze, she met it with a subtle nod of her own. Then she answered simply.
“Of course it’s my teacher’s idea.”
“Oh?”
Seere immediately revealed that the thought belonged to Nahen. At her decision, Nahen smiled inwardly. It showed she had no intention of fabricating abilities through deception.
“So it was the Royal Advisor’s plan to draw us in.”
Barbatos, Lerajie, and Jepar’s eyes turned to Nahen. It was permission for him to speak.
“I merely offered advice. The decision was Her Majesty Seere’s.”
“Why choose us as targets for recruitment?”
“We believed the Demon Kings of the Equites Faction would share thoughts not so different from our own. The Demon Kings here are…”
He couldn’t say they pursued power with crude single-mindedness, so Nahen wrapped the words more elegantly, making them far more palatable.
“…exceptionally valiant, are they not?”
Valiant. It was the most obvious, empty flattery. Anyone who wasn’t a fool could see through it. Yet for the Demon Kings of the Equites Faction—whose pride in their martial strength was excessive—the compliment landed perfectly.
“Haha! Is that so!”
“I suppose I am rather valiant.”
“A fair assessment.”
The three Demon Kings reacted with visible pleasure at once. Nahen laughed inwardly. ‘They’re so easy to handle.’
Barbatos, who had been laughing heartily, turned to Nahen.
“Then I’m curious. What reason do you see for abolishing the ‘Human Realm Entry Prohibition Clause’?”
Because Seere had stated it was Nahen’s opinion, she stepped back and he stepped forward. Nahen willingly answered Barbatos’s question.
“First, there is the matter of a Demon King’s dignity. If we seal the entrance out of fear of mere humans and issue a ban on entering the Human Realm across the entire Demon Realm, it would give the impression that Demon Kings fear humans. That is an insult to Demon Kings—and by extension, an insult to the entire Demon Realm.”
“I see. ‘First’ implies there are other reasons as well.”
“Yes, of course. Second, because we need information about the Human Realm.”
“What do you mean?”
At Barbatos’s question, Nahen continued.
“Our Demon Realm must prepare for the Heavenly Demon War.”
“What does that have to do with the Human Realm?”
“Lord Barbatos, are you aware of the existence of Heroes?”
“Heroes?”
He wouldn’t know. Both Heroes who had appeared so far had been dealt with by Seere’s hand. The higher-ranking Demon Kings had little interest in events occurring in the lowest strata.
“They are humans granted divine armaments directly by the Archangel ‘Metatron,’ whom humans worship as a heavenly god.”
“…Metatron is doing such things?”
“They have already invaded the Demon Realm twice.”
“Is that so?”
As expected, he hadn’t known. The highest-ranking Demon Kings only knew that the Heavenly Demon War two years ago had begun with the invasion of the 50th Floor.
“All of it was repelled by Her Majesty Seere, who is present here.”
For a moment, the three Demon Kings’ gazes focused on Seere. She seemed slightly burdened by the attention, but it had been Nahen’s deliberate rhetoric—mentioning the existence of Heroes while naturally imprinting Seere’s excellence upon them. Nahen continued.
“Metatron intends to use the Heroes to clear the paths into the Demon Realm and reduce its forces. The Heavenly Demon War two years ago can also be considered to have begun with a Hero’s intrusion into the 72nd Floor, prior to the invasion of the 50th Floor.”
“Are these Heroes so exceptional that they can stand against Demon Kings? No matter how low-ranking, a Demon King is still a Demon King.”
“For now, they are not particularly outstanding. However, of the two Heroes, the one who appeared later was overwhelmingly stronger.”
Unlike the bow-wielding Hero Ceres, whom Argol had been unable to touch, the spear-wielding Hero Nicholas had killed Argol. Even Nahen had been greatly surprised when he heard that news.
“Therefore, we cannot predict how strong the third, fourth, and subsequent Heroes will be.”
“An unpredictable enemy is difficult to face.”
“That is why I said we need to understand the movements in the Human Realm. For that, the entry prohibition must be lifted.”
“Then let me ask one thing, Royal Advisor.”
It was Lerajie.
“Do you think we Demon Kings would lose to these Heroes?”
“Let me be clear—I am not worried that the Heroes will defeat every Demon King. I am worried that our true enemies will move while we are thrown into chaos by the Heroes’ invasion.”
A Hero’s invasion, followed by an invasion from the angels. There was no reason the Heavenly Realm wouldn’t employ the same method that had started the Heavenly Demon War two years ago. After all, it had worked. They had burned nearly twenty layers of the Demon Realm.
“…I think there is merit to it, brother.”
“Hmm.”
“I see it differently, brother.”
Lerajie spoke to the pondering Barbatos.
“When considering this matter, there is something you must take into account.”
“What is it?”
“If the entry prohibition is lifted, at first glance the 72nd Floor—closest to the Human Realm—seems the most dangerous and likely to suffer losses.”
“That’s true.”
“But that is a misconception. If the Human Realm entry prohibition is lifted, the ones who stand to gain the most are none other than the 72nd Floor.”
“Why is that?”
Nahen narrowed his eyes slightly. At Barbatos’s question, Lerajie answered.
“The 72nd Floor… in other words, the Devata faction has been capturing humans who cross over from the Human Realm and running a slave business, haven’t they?”
“…Oh? I had been wondering why those filthy human slaves kept appearing in the Demon Realm.”
Barbatos looked at Nahen and Seere.
“So it was your doing?”
Humans were viewed as inferior and lesser beings. That was the fundamental perspective held by Demon Kings. While demons in the Demon Realm preferred rare and valuable human slaves, Demon Kings were different. They disliked the very presence of inferior beings on their lands. One could tell from Seere’s reaction when she had gone to the Human Realm.
“Interesting. In the end, it’s no different from asking us to lend our strength for your business, is it?”
Even though the business had stopped for now, learning that they had engaged in human slave trading meant the Devata side would not be viewed favorably. As Barbatos’s gaze grew cold, Seere grew slightly tense.
“I’d like to hear your explanation, Seere von Devata.”
Yet she could not remain silent. Seere glanced at Nahen. He nodded, signaling her to speak honestly.
“…I won’t deny it. We clearly used that business to lay the foundation for our funds and rise to where we are now. There are the reasons my teacher mentioned earlier, but this reason also exists.”
At Seere’s answer, Lerajie furrowed her brows sharply.
“So you dared to try using the power of the Equites Faction for your own business?”
“What is wrong with that?”
“What did you say?”
“A Demon King is fundamentally a being who rules. Managing and developing one’s forces is an essential virtue for a Demon King.”
“What does that have to do with this…”
“If it is for the development of one’s own forces, isn’t a Demon King someone who will do anything? Even if it is an unpleasant task. I wonder if the Demon Kings present here have never done such things.”
At Seere’s words, not only Lerajie—who had been about to retort—but also Barbatos and Jepar found themselves unable to answer. Clearly, they too had not only done clean work.
“Besides, selling human slaves as a business is not prohibited in the Demon Realm. I dislike humans, and so do most Demon Kings… but there are many who wish to follow and serve us. One need only look at how thriving my slave business has been to see that.”
Seere continued.
“So there is no need to deny it. We are all trying to strengthen our forces—what is there to be ashamed of?”
“…Yes, young successor of the Martial King. I have heard your opinion. It is not wrong.”
Following the now-silent Lerajie, Barbatos spoke.
“However, such a perspective does not suit us of the Equites Faction. If that was how you intended to persuade us, you should have gone to Paimon instead of me.”
“I had no intention of persuading you with this perspective. I only spoke because Lady Lerajie brought up the matter of business.”
“I suppose so. But now we already know everything. How do you intend to change our minds again?”
Barbatos looked at Seere, then at Nahen. Yet something felt off. The gaze Barbatos directed at Nahen held neither anger, disappointment, nor suspicion.
‘He’s expecting something…?’
In that moment, Nahen realized something.
‘…Ah.’
This conversation… had not been Lerajie’s plan. More precisely, even the information that “the Devata faction is running a slave business” had not been something Lerajie had uncovered. The one who had informed Lerajie of this fact and sparked this topic at the meeting was none other than…
‘…Not only is he strong, but his mind works surprisingly well.’
It was the leader of the Equites Faction, Barbatos. After all, one needed a certain level of intelligence to lead a faction. ‘Moreover, he’s methodical and cautious.’ The fact that he had deliberately informed Lerajie and stayed in the background himself proved it. Nahen felt a sense of kinship. It was remarkably similar to how he used Seere to execute his plans.
Nahen understood Barbatos’s intention as well. What Barbatos sought to obtain through all this was one thing.
‘So that’s it…’
This had always been meant to be resolved through a meeting, and it had been going well. If Barbatos had not intervened in this meeting and only Lerajie had come as planned… she would surely have been persuaded. But after Jepar mentioned Nahen and Barbatos stepped in, the very purpose of their attendance had been decided from the beginning.
‘It was all meaningless.’
The plan had been flawed from the start. From the very beginning… it should have been done this way.
Nahen removed his mask. He cast aside the facade of courtesy and revealed his true expression. The corner of his mouth lifted slightly.
“You said you heard about me from Lord Jepar. It seems you were curious.”
“…Yes, it was quite interesting.”
“Then let me ask.”
“Yes… what is it?”
“I…”
Nahen took a step forward. He extended his hand to the side and crushed space with his mana. At the sight, an emotion greater than expectation rose in Barbatos’s eyes. As Nahen withdrew his hand from the torn space, a black demonic sword was pulled out. Lerajie and Jepar flinched in surprise at the sight. Yet even then, one Demon King—mad with the definition of power—revealed only a single overwhelming feeling.
It was fighting spirit.
Crack!
Nahen slammed his sword into the center of the table where the four Demon Kings sat. Golden eyes stared at the Immortal Vanguard.
“If I face all of you, might your minds change a little?”
In that instant, Barbatos’s lips stretched to his ears. The group of martial artists, the Equites Faction. True to their nature…
“…Excellent!!!”
They were a race obsessed with battle.
When they heard that Jepar had failed to land even a single blow on Nahen, both Barbatos and Lerajie could not contain their boiling fighting spirit. Jepar was a recognized powerhouse, acknowledged not only by Barbatos and Lerajie but by everyone. Naturally, their interest was piqued, and the two already combative Demon Kings of the Equites Faction found themselves determined to face him. That was why they had created this situation. They had informed Jepar in advance, hoping to force the Devata side—more precisely, Nahen—into responding to Barbatos’s desire for battle. They had deliberately investigated the Devata side’s information and prepared for this.
“Teacher, will you be all right?”
“Yes.”
Seere narrowed her eyes. Glancing at Barbatos preparing across from them, she spoke.
“Was this their goal from the beginning?”
“Probably. Even listening to our story was likely a smokescreen.”
“We’ve been completely played.”
“I should have realized it the moment Jepar said he told them about me. I made a mistake.”
As Nahen laughed hollowly, Seere pressed her lips together. Then she spoke again, softly.
“Teacher.”
“Hm?”
“…You mustn’t get hurt.”
Nahen chuckled. He had thought she was sulking, but seeing her worry like this, it seemed her mood hadn’t completely soured after all. He gently patted Seere’s head.
“There’s no need to worry.”
“…I know you’re strong, but your opponents are still opponents.”
“It’s fine. I won’t get hurt.”
With those words, Nahen stepped forward, sword in hand. Barbatos, already prepared, walked out as if he had been waiting. Barbatos and Nahen faced each other. Nahen held his demonic sword; Barbatos wielded a massive battle axe.
“How strange. You show no sign of tension even standing before me. You must be confident.”
“Honestly, I can’t predict the outcome.”
“You can’t predict the result? Then why is there no sign of tension or excitement?”
“It’s not the result…”
Nahen closed his eyes for a moment. When he opened them again, Barbatos let out a hollow laugh.
‘…This guy is the real deal.’
The golden eyes gleamed with the look of one who had found prey. To regard him—one of the pinnacles of martial arts in the current Demon Realm—as prey. Barbatos’s hands itched unbearably. And Nahen’s next words shattered what little patience Barbatos had left.
“…I was thinking about how to end this as quietly as possible.”
“How amusing…!”
Before anyone could signal the start of the spar, the two swung their weapons at each other.