Half a day since the recapture of Elden.
The remaining enemy forces have been cleared, and makeshift fortifications have been constructed. Reinforcements from Kirose have arrived to take over the role of the stationed forces at Elden.
“…For now, good work, everyone.”
Inside a stone tower in Elden, Agito exhaled deeply in his office. This was once Agito’s residence, the place where he governed the city, now serving as the center of operations. After a long time, Agito sank into his armchair, surrounded by the commanders who led the stationed forces and the leaders of the various units from the recent recapture battle—about ten in total.
“We will now share the current situation with the stationed forces. Some of us, including myself, will bring this information back to His Majesty the Demon King as soon as possible. First, I want to confirm the extent of the damage. Evillwarg, please report.”
“Understood.”
Evillwarg, the demon with green skin and red eyes, who had commanded the ground forces, responded.
“The ground forces sustained a casualty rate exceeding 40% during urban combat.”
“I see. Even the aerial forces had 30% casualties from the kingdom’s latest firearms. We must accelerate the research and countermeasures for the kingdom’s weapons. And the number of fatalities?”
“Eight among the ground forces.”
“…Eight!? Are you certain? Forgive me, but isn’t that rather few?”
“Yes. Many of the injured were severely burned or had bullets embedded in their bodies, but thanks to the efforts of the Dark Healers, all of them pulled through. The casualties were kept under 20% of the worst-case scenario. What was particularly remarkable was Sir Alaya’s contribution.”
Evillwarg, recalling the situation he had witnessed, inhaled sharply and continued.
“He must have been monitoring the healing progress of the other specialized Dark Healers, moving first to heal the races with the most treatment backlog. He healed everyone thoroughly, no matter their race, without missing a single one. His broad perspective, expertise across multiple fields, and adaptability… I can’t imagine what kind of training he must have undergone to reach that level as a Dark Healer.”
“Indeed… As expected of Kiwi. A man I had high hopes for.”
“However, there is one question. Why was Sir Alaya at Elden?”
Evillwarg folded his arms and tilted his head.
“Sir Alaya was supposed to return to Kirose immediately after completing the operation…”
“Heh, do you need me to spell it out, Evillwarg?”
Agito grinned wickedly, showing his teeth.
“Kiwi is that kind of man. He was that way ever since he rescued me from the prison.”
A murmur of surprise spread through the room. “The rumor that Lord Agito was rescued was true!” they whispered.
Agito continued.
“He’s a kind-hearted person. That’s why I intended to send him back to Kirose quickly, to avoid burdening him any further. But… it seems that sharp mind of his sensed our peril.”
“…! So, Sir Alaya rushed to this place of his own accord!?”
“Yes.”
Agito’s affirmative response sent another wave of astonishment through the room. “Kiwi Alaya, what an honorable man!” they murmured.
“But that’s not all. He first liberated the demon prisoners who were in the harshest conditions, and then neutralized the holy woman, the rear support of the Hero Unit.”
“Unbelievable… Not only did he strengthen our forces, but he also took out the enemy’s weak point. Could Sir Alaya think at a strategic level too!?”
“Heh, for Kiwi, it’s not surprising.”
Agito, speaking with a high and proud tone, found that the commanders were so stunned they could only stare in disbelief. Finally, unable to hold back any longer, Evillwarg spoke up.
“Shouldn’t we recruit Sir Alaya as a military doctor for our demon kingdom!?”
Evillwarg spread his arms, appealing not just to Agito but to the other commanders as well.
“His versatile Dark Heal would be desired by any unit. Not to mention, by bringing him in as a military doctor, we might even be able to raise the level of other Dark Healers!”
“Hmm. Actually, I’ve been thinking the same thing.”
Agito nodded deeply, arms crossed.
“I’ve always considered keeping Kiwi away from danger. After all, he is an ordinary human, and he is the new force that could change the dire situation our demon kingdom is in. But… it seems my concerns were misplaced. In the end, Kiwi chose to stand by us on the battlefield.”
“Then…”
“Yes. With Kiwi bringing such a fresh wind, we must seize this opportunity.”
Agito exuded a dark and ominous magical energy, grinning widely.
“I, Agito, will recommend Kiwi Alaya for a position in the demon kingdom’s leadership with this victory.”
The weight of those words was understood by all in the room.
Those who reached that position were typically the most powerful, most knowledgeable, most righteous, or most vicious demons, who had made exceptional contributions during the hundred-year-old Demon Kingdom Unification War.
Yet, no one shook their head. On the contrary, everyone nodded in agreement, their faces showing their understanding. Agito watched their reactions with satisfaction.
“Now, let’s get back on track. Next, we’ll discuss the current status of the stationed forces…”
After some additional information was shared, Agito and several flying demons departed from Elden.
