Volume 10 Chapter 19 (1/2)

We have identified some if not all of my enemies. They were [Serpent], [Wood], [Blood], [Ice], and [Insect].

Because we had identified them through their elite A rank monsters, there was little chance for them to disguise their identity.

According to Marcho and Dan, the one who could pose the most threat among them was the [Insect] Demon Lord. Apparently, he had an A rank medal while the rest only had B rank medals.

It then made sense to take him down first.

The majority of his elites should have been taken away by the Creator as punishment, so he should be pretty vulnerable right now. In other words, if I was ever going to attack him, the sooner the better. And so, we began doing the necessary preparations as soon as we got back.

That being said, attacking now wasn't risk-free.

For example, all of the enemy Demon Lords could have placed a few of their monsters in each other's dungeons in hopes of getting the justification they wanted from the beginning. That would then lead to the worst-case scenario where Avalon would be attack once again.

But then again, that might not be the case at all. They should be expecting me to want revenge, so sending out troops and spreading themselves thin wasn't something they would want right now. If they had some sort of guarantee that they would receive an equivalent force in return, then perhaps, but could they really trust and cooperate with each other in such circumstances?

If only the answer was a definite no.

Regardless of whether they put their own monsters in each other's dungeons or not, I had little choice but to attack. After all, the rule protecting us new Demon Lords would expire after 2 and a half months. So, if I was going to get attacked by the others anyway, I would rather do it like this.

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Within the dome in the new residential district, the Darkness Dragons and their container carriages were lined up.

My monsters were hurriedly moving about: they were loading weapons, ammunitions, healing items, and all sorts of things.

This was all in preparation for defeating the sole A rank medal holder of the five identified enemy Demon Lords.

Duke, first and foremost, as well as the other monsters that held commanding positions were by my side.

”I hereby grant Duke the command of this mission. Duke, do what you see fit to accomplish our goals. You don't have to wait for my approval. To everyone, treat Duke's words as though it's my own.”

”I am not worthy of such honor, but I will do all in my power to meet your expectations.”

This time, I wouldn't be leaving Avalon.

Despite the risks I stated, leaving wasn't necessary. If anything, it was more important that I stayed so that I could use [Floor Swap] in case the enemies do attack the city. If we close the city gates under the pretext of a random monster attack so soon after the last time, Avalon's reputation would suffer.

So, instead of preemptively using [Floor Swap], I would stay on standby here while the very capable Duke leads the attack.

”Tiro, Raph, the two of you must defeat the most number and the strongest of enemies, alright? Remember, your growth is directly tied to the growth of Avalon.”

”Gaugau!”

”Yes, your majesty! …you know!”

The blue-furred Tiro as well as the black-winged Fallen Angel Raphael enthusiastically replied so.

The attack force's composition was a little bit different this time.

Duke shall not only be a trump card but also be the head of the chain of command.

The land force shall be composed of the Red Lance, the Black Armor, the several Avalon-Ritters, and the artificial heroes resurrected by Duke's Enhanced Resurrection.

Meanwhile, our air force shall be composed of the White Bow, the Darkness Dragons, and the Black Bird Nevans.

As for our forces in the other dimension, it shall be composed of the Ocean Singers and a large number of Abyss Howls. The forces there shall be led by the Ocean Singers that Ruhe picked.

Last but certainly not least, a few Dwarf Smiths would also be joining so that they could give maintenance to the numerous golems.

”Also, Kuina, without charging too far ahead, please protect everyone. As Avalon's strongest monster, I could only ask this of you.”

”Leave it to Kuina! Oh, and rest assured Kuina will be holding back just enough because I'll be making sure Tiro-chan and Raph-chan gets properly trained in combat.”

Kuina was such a helpful child. So long as she was part of the attacking force, I was confident most situations could be handled. Along with Duke, she was the attacking force's trump card.

Moreover, even though the main goal of this fight was to crush the enemy, the secondary but almost as vital goal was the growth of Tiro and Raph.

Both were extremely powerful S rank monsters, but because I chose to let them be born at level 1 and be able to level up—as opposed to having an already high but also static level—they still were at a low level right now and thus couldn't exhibit their true might. Defeating an A rank monster right now might still be too much for any of them, so any chance to let them grow further mustn't go to waste.

By letting them form contracts with the three knights, they would gain the experience points of not only those they personally defeat but also of those that each knight defeats. If their group could slaughter all of a Demon Lord's monsters, the two should level up a terrifying amount.

”My lord, our preparations are complete. We are ready to depart whenever you say.”

”Great job on that. Also, please, if you deem reinforcements are in order, send word immediately. If the land force is having trouble, I'd likely send Aura; if the other dimension forces are in trouble, expect me to send Ruhe. Of course, if you think of something else, don't hesitate to make a recommendation.”

”Yes, my lord! We'd do everything to maximize the chances of victory.”

It was Duke, so he was most likely going to make the right calls.

”…Duke, you just had a child, yet here I am sending you away. I'm sorry about that.”

”Please don't mind it, my lord. Rather, thank you for this opportunity to do something my child would be proud of.”

”Then, I won't say anything anymore. Except, of course, I leave the rest to you.”

”Yes, my lord!”

With that, our meeting was over.