Chapter 21. Demon Extermination (2)
“Thank you for your hospitality, priest of the Order.”
“While Lord Baphomet stays here, our Order will provide you with as much convenience as possible.”
Until recently, Baphomet had been a ‘Baron’ of Pandemonium.
He smiled as he looked at the human bowing respectfully before him.
“As you already know, I have left Pandemonium.”
“Yes, we are aware.”
“Pandemonium has forgotten the ideals it once pursued and has grown satisfied with the current situation. I intend to rebel against Pandemonium and establish a new power in this world.”
As he spoke, Baphomet turned his head.
Standing nearby were humanoid demons with dark skin.
They were known as ‘Fallen Demons.’
“I lost quite a few soldiers while shaking off my pursuers... but troops can always be replenished.”
“We will cooperate with you as much as possible.”
“Most Constellations continue to remain mere spectators, while the Contractors are still weak... If I rise now, those who share my ambitions across the land will answer my call. Then I will be able to accomplish my great undertaking.”
Baphomet had already completed the entire plan in his head.
He would gather humans and monsters beneath his command and create a force surpassing Pandemonium.
Eventually, he intended to rule this entire world.
“However... are you really fine with accepting us?”
Baphomet glanced around.
“If demons like us stay in such a small village, won’t it cause a disturbance?”
“You need not worry, Lord Baphomet.”
The priest of the Order smiled.
“This village has long been under the influence of our Order. Even if Lord Baphomet and your followers walk around openly, there will be no trouble.”
“Hmm. That’s fortunate.”
Of course, Baphomet wasn’t saying these things because he particularly respected humans.
However, the Order of the ‘Dawn Star’ would be an important ally for his future plans.
That was why he wanted to maintain a friendly relationship with them as much as possible.
“Priest of the Order, even to my eyes, your organization is quite unusual.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. The Black Dragon Society always remains wary of us even while conducting business with us, yet you people seem to genuinely accept us.”
“We are simply preparing for the new era. Once that new era arrives, there will no longer be any reason to distinguish between humans and demons.”
“Hahaha! I suppose you’re right.”
The Order was currently gathering followers by spreading the belief that this chaotic age would soon end and a new era would begin.
Perhaps because of that belief, their members sometimes displayed attitudes that seemed to transcend the morality of ordinary humans.
“There is a possibility that the White Order will catch our scent soon. We should reorganize ourselves and move to our next location before they appear.”
“The White Order... They’re the humans hostile toward Pandemonium, correct?”
“Yes. They are not opponents to underestimate. Especially because the Constellation supporting them is infamous for being an extreme fundamentalist even among Constellations—”
The priest was still speaking when someone suddenly rushed in from outside.
“Priest!”
“What is it?”
“There’s a group approaching the village!”
“There’s no way Pandemonium’s pursuit force could have followed us this far. Could it be the White Order?”
“No. It seems to be...”
“What?”
“I believe it’s the Black Dragon Society.”
“...!”
Listening to their conversation, Baphomet frowned.
“It seems Pandemonium gave them information and requested their cooperation. Even though they claim to be independent, they’re willing to sell out their own kind...”
“Lord Baphomet, if that’s the case...”
“Follower of the Order, how large is the enemy force?”
“Not very large. There seem to be around twenty Contractors!”
“That number is manageable.”
Baphomet nodded and looked toward the priest.
“Prepare your combatants. I will mobilize the Fallen Demons as well.”
“Yes!”
“We’ll deal with those small fry who don’t know their place, then move immediately.”
The Order had prepared ten Contractors.
Meanwhile, Baphomet had twelve Fallen Demons under his command.
He didn’t know exactly how powerful the Black Dragon Society’s Contractors were, but their forces should be more than enough.
And even if the Black Dragon Society turned out to be stronger than expected...
“If anything unexpected happens, I will personally step in.”
“Ooh...!”
Baphomet was attempting to establish his own independent faction.
Naturally, he possessed tremendous power.
His physical abilities were incomparable to those of ordinary humans, and he could also use powerful offensive magic.
But that wasn’t all.
As a high-ranking demon, Baphomet possessed formidable Authorities.
Even if the enemies were unexpectedly powerful and massacred all his subordinates, he would be able to reverse the situation by using those Authorities.
Though that would only be my last resort.
If he actually used that power, there was a high possibility that his cooperative relationship with the Order would collapse.
That was why he wanted to avoid such a situation whenever possible.
Of course, the Fallen Demons should be more than enough.
Their numbers had been reduced considerably while escaping their pursuers.
Even so, Baphomet still had twelve Fallen Demons left.
Each of them was a warrior capable of taking on a hundred opponents, and they were particularly skilled at fighting weak creatures such as humans.
Even if twenty Contractors attacked them simultaneously, the Fallen Demons should be able to suppress them in an instant.
“Fallen Demons.”
“Yes, Lord Baphomet.”
At his call, the Fallen Demons stepped forward.
“Show them your abilities.”
“We obey.”
Following Baphomet’s command, the Fallen Demons moved out to massacre the Black Dragon Society.
“Hyung, it’s started!”
“I know.”
Geumgak replied to Eungak while staring into the observation screen.
“Hmm. Baphomet, huh...”
“You know him?”
“Don’t you remember? He’s the demon who killed two thousand civilians in the Grand Park Massacre nine years ago.”
“Ah! That guy!”
“His title is only Baron, but his power rivals the Legion Commanders who hold titles of Count or higher.”
“Someone that powerful is leaving Pandemonium to become independent? Now this is interesting.”
Eungak spoke excitedly.
“The demons in East Asia have been way too quiet lately! Looks like things are finally going to get interesting again!”
“Yeah... But.”
