The Sword's Judgment
Sitri's brow furrowed slightly. She turned to Nahen, who was watching the testing grounds with serene composure, and demanded, "Nahen."
"Yes?"
"Is this... actually an evaluation?"
Every soldier who stepped forward was being thoroughly beaten by Seere and sent packing. Sitri found the whole thing absurd. Seere's strength and speed were already far beyond what any twelve-year-old should possess, but expecting ordinary soldiers to withstand that was even more ridiculous. Hoping for exceptional talent from recruits gathered from the lower ranks was simply asking too much.
Nahen tilted his head. "Why wouldn't it be?"
"How is this supposed to evaluate anything?"
"Haah. Watch carefully."
Nahen exhaled and pointed toward Seere, who was once again swinging her sword. Just like before, the soldier was struck and eliminated. The scene repeated itself.
"...What am I supposed to be seeing? It's the same as always."
"The soldier who just took the test reacted to Seere's sword 0.02 seconds faster than the previous one."
"......Huh?"
Sitri was momentarily taken aback. She stared at Nahen as if he'd lost his mind. Yet Nahen continued with a perfectly serious expression.
"This time, the reaction was 0.05 seconds faster. Quite an excellent response speed."
"...You're judging soldiers solely by reaction time?"
"Not entirely. But even soldiers who are eliminated without landing a single blow can still be evaluated differently this way. Among them, those who show particularly good results... Ah, there we have one."
The moment Nahen voiced his admiration, Sitri saw it too. Though the soldier had been struck by Seere's sword, he had managed to raise his own blade. He simply hadn't completed the defensive motion before being hit.
Seere looked at him and said, "You're on hold."
"Huh?... Th-thank you!"
Only then did Sitri understand the nature of the test. Still, she found it too simplistic and voiced her concern to Nahen.
"Even if reaction speed is part of skill, it can't be the absolute standard... Is this really acceptable?"
"It is. The very fact that an ordinary demon can react to the Demon King Seere's attack already proves they possess real ability."
"That's......"
"Even Your Majesty would find it difficult to receive Seere's sword. Isn't that right?"
Sitri looked down at Seere once more. The girl continued to fell soldiers with single strikes—swift, precise, and carrying weight despite clearly holding back.
"...It wouldn't be easy."
"Therefore, anyone who manages to receive Seere's sword even once can be considered genuinely skilled. How simple an evaluation method."
"Hmm... Was this your idea?"
"No. Seere proposed it herself."
Upon hearing that Seere had suggested it, Sitri let out a small, wry laugh. Blood truly runs true, she thought.
'At that age, with that level of skill...'
She felt as though the return of Seir von Devata, once called the Demon King of Martial Arts, was drawing near.
Sitri watched for a moment before asking Nahen, "You'll begin the conquest of the 67th Floor soon, won't you?"
"That is the plan. However, the Demon King of the 67th Floor is no ordinary opponent."
"True."
The ranking of Demon Kings was determined by the scale of their forces, military strength, and personal influence. Rankings were decided at the Demon Realm Assembly held once every ten years, which all Demon Kings were obligated to attend. This was why Seere, despite having conquered the 68th and 69th Floors, remained at rank 72. But would anyone believe a Demon King had refused to attend the Assembly and consequently dropped in rank? The one who had walked away from such a critical gathering was none other than...
"The Demon King of Hellfire, Belial."
"Honestly, the guy's a bit of a lunatic, but his strength isn't something to be dismissed."
"A lunatic? That's rather harsh."
"It's accurate, isn't it? Any Demon King who voluntarily abandons his rank is a lunatic, plain and simple."
Belial was no Demon King meant to languish in the lower ranks, whether by reputation or ability. Yet at some point he had begun skipping the Assembly, allowing other Demon Kings' political maneuvering to steadily push his rank downward. Naturally, as his rank fell, the ruling class above him rose, but Belial seemed entirely unconcerned.
"So it's going to be rather troublesome."
In Evil Queen Maker, Belial had been the most difficult early-game obstacle. Though ranked 67th, his strength far exceeded his position, making him a notorious early boss that tormented players. Even when Nahen had played the game, he had always chosen to rely on schemes rather than direct confrontation when dealing with Belial and the 67th Floor. Belial's power was simply too overwhelming for a player still leading a lower-ranked faction.
"Still, I don't believe he's unconquerable."
"Well... I suppose not. Will you handle this one on your own again?"
But this was reality, not the game, and there were significant differences. First, the quality of weapons in Seere's army far surpassed those of Belial's forces. Weapons produced in the forges of the 70th Floor had been distributed to every legion while also being sold.
And second...
"What are you saying? Why would I do something so foolish when I have allies?"
They had allies. In the game, allies only provided minor funds, food, and a handful of soldiers. Reality was different. Allied Demon Kings possessed their own power and talented subordinates. The number of troops that could be requested was also vastly greater.
"Are you including me?"
"Of course. We still don't have enough soldiers to face the 67th Floor independently."
"Hehe... So you need my strength?"
"...Yes, that would be the case. Though seeing you look so smug makes me reluctant to admit it."
"Wh-when did I look smug?"
And finally, the third point: Seere's faction in reality was far stronger than it had been in the game. Their growth rate exceeded what the game had simulated, and Nahen had further strengthened them by leveraging several events he remembered. Though still far from matching the higher-ranked Demon Kings, they had become considerably more powerful.
"However, I believe some groundwork will be necessary."
"What are you planning? There won't be anyone to recruit like with Andromalius this time."
"Not that kind of groundwork. Something else is needed."
Nahen smiled faintly. "Belial's soldiers possess exceptionally high morale and deep loyalty, don't they?"
"...They do. They're the ones still following that lunatic."
"Therefore, we need to lower their morale. Everyone knows that soldier morale is one of the most critical factors in war."
"How do you intend to do that?"
In response to Sitri's question, Nahen turned his gaze back to Seere, who was still testing soldiers. Even as the session neared its end, she showed no signs of fatigue.
"We must instill fear."
Hearing the word "fear," Sitri grew curious about Nahen's method. Just as she was about to ask, a rather unusual sight in the training grounds caught both their attention.
"Oh?"
"We've found one."
#
Someone had perfectly blocked Seere's sword. Seere regarded the opponent who had stopped her blade with an intrigued expression.
"You—what was your name again?"
"Celestia of the 4th Legion, Your Majesty."
The woman who introduced herself as Celestia didn't appear to have blocked Seere's sword by chance. She was still holding back Seere's blade, which continued pressing forward. After observing her for a moment, Seere quickly withdrew her sword.
"...Good. You pass."
"Thank you!"
Nahen pointed at the newly passed Celestia and said to Sitri, "That's the idea. Quite efficient, wouldn't you say?"
"Well... It doesn't seem bad."
"To think Seere would come up with something like this. She's grown quite capable, hasn't she?"
"...She has. It's remarkable how much that little one has grown."
"Little one?"
"Ah, well! She was young and small!"
When Sitri snapped, Nahen chuckled and let the matter pass with a joke. Recalling memories from five years ago, he continued, "She was a diligent child from the very first time we met. She did everything I asked without skipping anything. Young, but quite mature for her age."
"...Uh, right."
Listening to the reminiscence she had no interest in, Sitri felt rather uncomfortable. Perhaps it was because Nahen sounded like a doting father.
Noticing her reaction, Nahen narrowed his eyes. "Does Your Majesty not think so?"
"...Want me to be honest?"
"Go ahead."
"She was quite adorable when she was little. The way she'd smile while being held in my arms was so precious. But lately, I don't feel that way much."
"Pardon?"
Nahen spoke incredulously. "She's still a twelve-year-old child. To my eyes, she's still an adorable little girl... Don't tell me you're jealous because Seere is growing more beautiful?"
"Why would I be? I'm prettier."
"...Ah, yes."
"That's not it. The cute aspects have simply disappeared. These days, rather than that..."
Sitri's expression darkened slightly. Nahen tilted his head, wondering if something had happened between Seere and Sitri without his knowledge. It didn't seem like a good sign. Sitri was an ally they needed to continue working with. If she disliked Seere, that would be a serious problem.
"Did something happen?"
"...You've never noticed?"
"Noticed what?"
"Seere sometimes glares at me with such terrifying intensity. As if she wants to kill me on the spot."
"...Pardon?"
Though he didn't show it outwardly, Nahen was quite shocked. He couldn't understand why Seere would look at Sitri that way.
"Did you do something to Seere?"
"I'd be less frustrated if I had."
"Then why..."
"There's a pattern whenever she gives me that look. Whenever I'm being overly friendly with you, she stares at me like that."
Nahen's eyes widened. It was the first time Sitri had seen him make such an expression, and she found it fascinating.
"You really didn't know?"
"No, not at all..."
"Anyway, that's why these days I find her more chilling than cute. It's also why I haven't been visiting as often lately. Though I am busy, of course."
"......"
When Nahen's expression grew serious, Sitri waved her hand dismissively. "Don't say anything to Seere about this. It'll only make her dislike me more."
"No, that's not it... I was wondering why Seere would do such a thing."
"Huh? Isn't it obvious?"
"Pardon?"
"She doesn't want to lose her teacher to someone else."
Sitri stated the reason plainly, revealing Seere's obsession with Nahen. But Nahen didn't interpret it deeply and took it at face value.
"Ah, I see what you mean."
"...Your reaction is rather lukewarm."
"What kind of reaction should I have? I'll speak with Seere later. In the meantime, please visit for training more often."
"Ah, got it. We'll be discussing the 67th Floor conquest frequently anyway, so we can talk then."
Even as she said this, Sitri felt slightly suspicious. Had Nahen truly understood her meaning? As she expected, Nahen was thinking in an entirely different direction from her intent.
'So she's jealous because I'm paying attention to someone else instead of my disciple.'
Nahen was still thinking purely in terms of the master-disciple relationship.
#
The test concluded without issue. Only sixteen individuals had been deemed acceptable or placed on hold by Seere. Considering there had been over seven hundred applicants, it was an extremely small number. But it wasn't over yet. They needed four officers, so another round of selection was required.
After finishing the test, Seere sheathed her sword, and Baruna approached to speak.
"Those of you who remain will spar against each other. The four victors will become officers of the newly formed legion."
"Yes!"
"It's late today, so we'll begin tomorrow. The bracket will be announced then, so prepare as usual."
Seere quickly ascended the platform. Smiling brightly, she approached the teacher who had stayed to watch.
"Teacher, I'm here!"
"Good work. Come sit and rest."
"What about Lady Sitri?"
"She left first. Said she had work to handle."
"Ah."
Seere thought it was fortunate. Having no interruptions was preferable.
Seere sat beside Nahen and asked, "How was the test? It went well, right?"
"Yes. It was efficient and intuitive."
"Then did I do well? I won every match..."
When Seere asked, Nahen chuckled. Instead of answering, he reached out and gently patted her head.
"Hehe..."
Seere smiled radiantly under his touch, then remembered what she had requested from Nahen before the test began. Still smiling, she said, "Teacher, you'll give me a reward, right?"
"Of course. You did so well, it's only right. What would you like?"
"......"
Seere seemed to ponder for a moment. Nahen thought it was endearing how seriously she considered even a simple reward—proof she was still a child. Yet it made Seere's glaring at Sitri even harder to understand.
'...Come to think of it, I have felt something similar at times.'
It wasn't exactly glaring, but there had been moments when Seere's gaze or expression would suddenly shift. Nahen looked at Seere for a moment before speaking first.
"How about cake?"
"Huh? But I eat that all the time."
"Then we'll need something a little more special. I'll make it for you."
"...What?"
When Seere's eyes widened in surprise, Nahen smiled lightly. "My disciple worked hard. As her teacher, I should at least offer that much."
It was a reward inspired by what Sitri had said earlier. If Seere grew jealous when he paid attention to Sitri, then showing more care toward Seere might help. He intended to make her feel that her teacher valued her enough to bake a cake himself.
"Ah, is it because Mark makes them so well that you're not excited? Then something else..."
"N-no!!"
Seere cried out urgently and grabbed Nahen's hand tightly. "I want it! I want to eat something Teacher made!"
Nahen smiled. As expected, she simply wanted her teacher's attention. With his recent workload, he hadn't been able to give her as much care as before.
'If I keep doing this, her jealousy toward Sitri should naturally decrease.'
Looking at Seere's desperate expression, Nahen let out a soft laugh.
"Then look forward to tomorrow."