019. Dwarves, Orcs, Elves, and Heroes
“How in the world did you do it?”
The dwarf flailed his short arms and legs like a freshly caught fish.
His wide-eyed gaze, sparkling with childlike innocence, was almost too pure to bear.
“To think my Mana's Phantom connected to the tower's core like that! And it changed so dramatically!”
“I thought dwarves were supposed to be attached to their creations?”
That was why Berge had expected Roger to grumble about it.
“That's not the point right now. This is a massive breakthrough, isn't it?”
“It spread from just the first floor to the entire tower.”
“I designed and built it to run on mana as fuel, but some unknown power changed the energy source.”
“And then it suddenly hides the whole tower? I've never even heard of such a thing.”
“How did you do it? No, what is this tower?”
Roger unleashed a barrage of words like a machine gun. It was the complete opposite of the sullen, passive demeanor he'd shown since being kidnapped.
“Did you really think a Demon King's tower would be ordinary?”
“Of course not, but this is truly astonishing. I'm dying to know what principle allows it to change like this.”
“And?”
“Pardon?”
“So what are you getting at?”
“W-well... if it wouldn't be too much trouble, could I just take a quick peek? A very quick look at the machinery and the tower? No, an investigation?”
His firm insistence bordered on refusal of refusal—the brightest gleam in his eyes since his abduction.
Madness?
It was the look he'd seen in battle-crazed demons. The goal was different, but the fervor was the same.
There was nothing new about a dwarf's curiosity toward a newfound mystery.
“Don't you have work to do first?”
Roger flinched.
“The heroes are closing in. Soonest estimate: one month. Latest: three.”
According to Granada's report, they were advancing at a steady pace, so barring any major incidents, they'd arrive in two months.
A long time if it was long; short if it was short.
“Can you finish it to spec within that timeframe?”
“I can. No, I will! I stake my hero's honor on it!”
“Weren't you barely even using that hero title anyway?”
“Then I'll stake anything! So please...”
“Fine. Meet the deadline, and you can have what you want. But no damaging the machinery or the tower.”
“Of course!”
Roger nodded vigorously. The designs were already complete, and the restriction against using mana had been lifted.
He could build it. No—he would build it.
Madness flickered in the artisan's eyes.
It absorbed even more magic points than expected and triggered changes beyond imagination.
The tower couldn't pinpoint exactly what it was.
But Berge had a hunch.
Dimensional Interference.
The power that weakened invaders.
And bolstered heroes.
The first time he'd met Roger, the dwarf had been forging a princess's weapon.
He'd been weak as a hero, but his hammer strikes packed power. Mana danced under his blows, infusing the weapon.
'I don't know much about it, but people say mana surges when I hammer. That's why I invented the Mana's Phantom—to hide it.'
Hearing the backstory had confirmed it for him. Roger lacked hero's might, but all that interference had channeled into his smithing.
His skill and passion had earned him top-tier fame in the kingdom, but no denying the hero boost played a part.
“Actually, this might work out better...”
He'd hesitated because of the hero label, but now it was turning into an asset.
“What's so good about it?!”
Then Gordon burst out.
“We need to scrap that ridiculous Mana's Phantom eyesore right now!”
“Why?”
“Why?! Isn't it obvious? A Demon King's tower must stand taller and prouder than any building. It should boldly assert its presence, radiating the dignity of a demon—of a Demon King. Hiding it? Absurd!”
Because that's demonic. Because that's a Demon King.
But at that "obvious" statement, Berge scowled.
“You know that? I'm getting sick of responding to every one of your complaints.”
“......”
“I get demon pride. But look at our situation. Think we could hold off those heroes without this?”
“...No.”
“Right. I call people who chase ideals without solutions idiots. I'd appreciate it if you didn't make me call you one.”
“......”
“If you still object, bring a demonic alternative I can accept.”
I'm no fool who rejects the canon just to spite it—I follow what's right.
Berge muttered under his breath.
You weren't like this before. Why turn idiot now?
And that baffling line.
'Don't make me call you an idiot.'
He already had.
Gordon bit his lip.
“...I'll bring one. Definitely.”
Demon pride.
Top graduate's ego.
Both ignited.
Berge ran several tests.
“Closing the doors drastically cuts mana leakage.”
He'd thought it was total seal at first, but not quite.
Still, its effectiveness at concealing purer spirit mana was undeniable.
“And stealth.”
There were many kinds of stealth.
Hiding presence entirely.
Fooling sight with illusions.
Blending into nature.
The tower's Mana's Phantom stealth did all three.
Erasing its presence.
Illusions blending it into surroundings.
Still basic, with some awkwardness, but as the tower grew and interference on Berge lessened, it would perfect.
“Can't use it lightly, though.”
20 magic points per second was no joke. Unless efficiency improved or it was dire, no way.
“Oh, right. I had a promise to keep.”
Remembering his deal with the princess, Berge opened the tower's storeroom for the first time in ages. The three spirit herbs he'd acquired lay dormant.
“...Tch.”
Steeped in faint magic points, tinged purple.
It was intentional, so not bad. But he'd promised Ernan one, so not ideal now.
No helping it.
Time to legwork again.
He'd assigned her a key role; to get her best, he had to deliver.
Berge descended to the fourth floor.
“Heading out?”
“Promised you spirit herbs, so gotta keep it. The ones here are tainted with magic points—you can't use them.”
Humans could use magic points—black mages did—but for spirits, it was pure poison.
“Great!”
Ernan dressed eagerly, waving goodbye to Roger as they left the tower.
“Different direction this time.”
Clear skies, luckily. He sent a wind spirit with Ernan.
One demon and one human's footprints marked the snow.
“Can I ask one thing?”
“Perfect timing. I was curious about something too.”
“You first.”
“Why'd you accept my offer?”
“You wanted it, right?”
“I did. But I figured no chance.”
He'd puzzled over it endlessly. Couldn't grasp it.
Why the princess accepted. Why she'd burn her own rescue chance.
“For the spirit herb.”
“Rare, sure, but as Hildean crown princess, you've had them.”
“More's always better, though?”
“Not enough to make you turn on your rescuers.”
“Ah, too much?”
Ernan shook her head. Berge stared down blankly.
“...If I just hate going back to the kingdom, would that convince you?”
“Got your reasons, huh?”
“Who doesn't?”
“Fair enough.”
“No more questions?”
“That's enough.”
If there was a reason, fine. No need for family drama details.
Just stay cooperative as a hostage.
“Your question?”
“Oh, right. What'll you do if you capture a hero?”
“Worried?”
“They're here to save me, after all.”
“Can't release them.”
“I know. Your tower's way different from other Demon Kings'.”
“Get to the point.”
“Planning to make Hero Hillun Kargil your subordinate?”
Berge had tasked his kidnapper with decorating a floor.
Kidnapped a dwarf hero for the first floor.
So maybe he'd use Hillun Kargil too? The thought nagged her.
“Why curious?”
“Never heard of a Demon King doing that in centuries...”
Ernan halted mid-sentence.
“Found it.”
“Already?”
“But...”
She frowned.
“Someone beat us here.”
Opposite direction from before? They'd found spirit herbs surprisingly fast—a good thing.
But prior guests? Not welcome.
Especially if they were the same unpleasant crew from last time.
Fear Orcs. A larger tribe than before had built a village around the herbs.
Sentries visible between crude woven-wood walls. Eyes met.
“...!”
The orc's pupils dilated. A blaring horn shook the village.
“Trouble.”
“Fight them?”
“Precedent says they might try twice.”
Berge extended a hand casually. Flickering black flames incinerated the wooden walls.
But.
“...”
“Whoa...”
No hostility or bloodlust greeted them.
No crude blades or filthy fangs.
“We greet the Demon King!”
“Demon King!”
Awe. Submission.
Dozens of Fear Orcs knelt, heads bowed to the ground. Worshipping Berge.
“...What're you doing?”
The lead Fear Orc raised his head at the question.
“We humbly beg: accept us as your kin!”
“Granada. Your feats with the Red Hawk are impressive.”
Minor discord aside, the hero procession progressed smoothly.
No demons or monsters meant fewer spoils, but it amplified the heroes' greatness.
– The Demon King cowers at Hillun's might, not even sending demons.
– Nothing can stop this hero procession.
– This one's destined to succeed.
Maybe that's why bandits steered clear. Even the usual fly-like pests stayed away.
Just the occasional brainless monster charging in.
And in those skirmishes, the Red Hawk mercenaries shone brightest.
Thanks to the elf Granada's sharp senses spotting monsters first.
Also per Demon King orders: rack up fame.
Thus, Granada often crossed paths with hero Hillun Kargil.
“It's been ages since I traveled with an elf like you.”
“Is that so?”
“Elves are reclusive. Even with treaties, they rarely leave their lands.”
True for elves. And most non-humans. Instinct to stay put, but mostly avoiding human touch.
Granada saw no need to point it out.
“'Ages' implies you knew one before.”
“I did. A comrade.”
Hillun smiled bitterly.
“Gave his life for me. We beat the Lust Demon King, but...”
“Sorry, shouldn't have pried.”
Granada apologized for the lingering gloom.
“No, it's no secret.”
She didn't miss the single tear that followed.
“He led every Demon King hunt. Like you, charging ahead of the mercs against monsters. Seeing that familiarity... nostalgia hit. Sorry.”
“No need. Makes sense.”
“Thanks for understanding. How about a drink, then?”
“Sure.”
Cups clinked.
Hillun grinned cheerfully.
“Looking forward to more. Feels like I could trust you with my back.”
“Too kind.”
Rest was small talk.
“I'll head out, then.”
“Yes. Expecting great things.”
“Right.”
Granada stepped outside.
Alone, Hillun's smile vanished like a shed mask.
“Yeah, elves are trustworthy. Elves.”
Aren't they?
Mwah.
Hillun kissed his ring lightly.