The Infinite Journey of a Certain Flame

Kiana thought to herself.

He then shook his head and said bluntly:

"Solia, you may have misunderstood something."

"what's up?"

"I had no intention of helping them, much less of an intention to actually attack any demon king."

"Huh?" Solia paused for a moment, then scratched the back of her head in confusion. "But... Sister, aren't you human?"

Why does it sound like you're insulting me?

Kiana rolled her eyes at the spider girl, then sighed.

One person's strength is ultimately limited, and I have no reason to get involved in this war.

Ultimately, the demons haven't really cared about me so far; otherwise, the Demon King should have come in person.

As for the human race...

They've been trying to drag me down with them, and now that I'm being sold out, I'll be the one helping them count the money. Let whoever wants to go, go ahead.

"I am human, that's true, but you need to understand that humans ultimately have limits."

"I don't understand."

Solia tilted her head, then leaned down and started nuzzling Kiana's neck: "But I think you can do anything, sister!"

"Uh, you overestimate me, really..."

Kiana stroked the girl's soft hair and then replied with a touch of affection.

Well, if we disregard her demon identity, she might actually be a rather cute girl, right?

Hmm... if only the lower body could be a little more normal...

------

"Hahaha!"

In the grand hall where the Demon King resided, the Demon King, with his flowing blue hair, clutched his stomach and laughed heartily.

It was as if they had heard the funniest joke in the world...

Below the stage were numerous elite Oni warriors.

Compared to the laughing Demon King, their expressions were nothing but miserable.

However, who would have thought that these demons had just won a battle?

"Red Pill, well done. Your people actually thwarted the human coalition's all-out attack with only a small force."

After laughing for a while, Rimuru didn't forget to clap his hands as a reward for this feat.

Unfortunately, Benimaru, the young master of the noble clan, showed no joy whatsoever in the face of the Demon King's reward.

He gritted his teeth and lowered his head, seemingly feeling indignant and frustrated for failing to meet the Demon King's expectations.

Beside him was his younger sister, Shuna, who had been rescued after going through countless hardships.

Compared to her brother, this younger sister is more reserved, but she's not much better.

He kept his head down the whole time, completely losing his former arrogance.

Faced with this situation, almost without exception, the nobles were indignant.

but...

"alright."

Rimuru did not make things difficult for his loyal subordinates.

After all, he only asked the demons to help bring back the famous knight on the side.

Unexpectedly, they didn't realize their opponent was hiding something, and ended up turning the tables...

It seems like I should blame myself for underestimating the other party when this happens?

"Does she... really possess the strength of a calamity-level magical beast?"

Rimuru stood up and came to Benimaru's side, then bent down and asked in a low voice.

"There's no mistake, I can vaguely sense... that her strength is considerably greater."

Hongwan reported the facts truthfully.

He was quite confident in his judgment.

That's why he was able to be certain...

Kiana's strength is definitely on par with that of a calamity-level magical beast.

"Oh, is that so?" Rimuru waved his hand, signaling the Oni to rise, then walked towards the throne with his hands behind his back. "It seems I need to go and check on things, otherwise, letting such a variable wander freely..."

"Heh, I hope she won't disappoint me—!"

"Report!"

Before Rimuru could finish speaking, an urgent report came from the outer door of the hall.

Everyone in the hall was shocked, and then they all turned their gazes toward it.

A pigman warrior rushed in, pushing open the door.

"what happen?"

Before the impudent demon could advance far, Diablo appeared before him and asked in an extremely cold tone.

"Don't be rude!"

"but..."

The pigman warriors were stunned for a long time before they finally came to their senses and began to report.

"We have captured a group of knights who are carrying a message back."

"Oh?"

Rimuru and Diablo exchanged a glance, both realizing that the situation was dire.

"The knights said that the Parliamentarian army's reinforcements are waiting for the right moment, if we..."

After the pigman warrior's explanation, Rimuru and many other demons finally realized the crisis they faced.

To put it simply, the mysterious woman was actually an outside helper invited by the human side.

The reason why she possessed such extraordinary strength is unknown; the only certainty is...

"I see... We must react."

Diablo adjusted his glasses and said calmly.

His viewpoint was endorsed by almost the entire demon race.

All the demons, including Demon King Rimuru, felt that if they continued to attack the council's army rashly at this moment, they might leave their strategic depth to this sudden powerful force.

If we are not careful, we will be caught off guard and attacked from both sides.

so...

"It seems that the gains we have made so far are only temporary."

Rimuru pondered for a moment, then looked at the pigman warrior:

"Did you release a single messenger?"

"This... Lord Demon King, those knights were too fanatical. Even with our desperate efforts, only a few managed to escape."

Upon hearing this, Rimuru was speechless.

In other words, the advantage of having intercepted the messenger is currently practically useless.

I've only heard about their recent plans at most.

As for whether the current situation can be changed...

I'm afraid I'll have to figure it out myself.

Rimuru fell into deep thought upon this.

"Since she's looking for an opportunity to retaliate, why don't I launch a full-scale counterattack and surround her instead?"

If the parliamentary forces come to my rescue, perhaps I can seize the opportunity to gain a greater advantage?

As soon as the idea came to him, Rimuru felt that he had an extraordinary advantage.

"Okay! Let's do it!"

Finally, after careful consideration, Rimuru made a decisive move.

Determined to launch a fierce attack on the unknown knight.

Of course, this time he wouldn't be like the demon king in some old-fashioned story who sends his henchmen to deliver them one by one.

He felt that since it was clear that the opponent was extremely strong.

There's no need for any more nonsense, just lead your men and attack!

"Red pill, and vermilion vegetable."

Just before leaving, Rimuru suddenly spoke up.

"exist!"

The two generals of the Ghost Clan bowed their heads and awaited orders, showing no sign of disobedience.

"While I'm gone, you must protect this place well. If the humans send an army to attack, you must fight with all your might to repel them, understand?"

"Guaranteed to complete the mission!"

The brother and sister readily agreed, their expressions so serious they couldn't be more earnest.

Clearly, they said these words with the intention of redeeming themselves through good deeds.

Therefore, there is absolutely no need to worry about anything.

"very good..."