After confirming that Hinata's presence had disappeared, the four individuals began to converse.
"Poor child. What kind of hero is he?"
"That's true... Compared to the previous generation, he is far too immature."
"He doesn't even come close to the level of that person."
"However, he is undoubtedly the strongest force we have at this moment."
"But, is it really okay? To send Hinata out without the princess's permission?"
"The princess is very angry... Even with 'Gold,' 'Earth,' and 'Sun' trying to console her, it's uncertain when she will calm down."
"Until last time, all seven of us tried to console her, but it still seems insufficient."
"However, his power is incomparable to before..."
At that, they faced each other.
After confirming each other's expressions,
"Whoever it is, it might have been for the best."
"That's true. Thanks to this, the princess has awakened."
"However, we cannot leave it be."
"We must do whatever it takes to bring that person back."
They nodded in agreement again.
For the "Seven Elders," the only important thing is the true hero. Someone appointed as a proxy is merely a negligible existence.
It's true that they put in a lot of effort to raise her, and she was undoubtedly the best candidate in recent years.
However, her heart is too weak.
The immense willpower and the pinnacle of the human spirit that she possesses are beyond the reach of ordinary people.
Even if she reaches that level, her inherently weak heart cannot overcome it.
Therefore, she is a defective product.
She probably didn't realize that her physical growth as a human had already ended.
Her growth had stopped about two years after she came here.
At the age of 17, her physical age has remained the same due to the blessing of the Holy Spirit.
Despite being so beloved by the Holy Spirit, she couldn't overcome her external trauma.
Cold and rational.
She tries to help the weak, including herself.
However, what she lacks in a crucial area is emotion.
She cannot love people.
Her inability to be loved by anyone in her childhood has twisted her heart.
Someone who cannot love others cannot recognize the love of others.
Ultimately, she did not accept the love of the Holy Spirit and did not awaken.
It's a shame, but even if more time passes, there's no hope for her awakening.
In that case, the best course of action is to use her to analyze the new threat, the new Demon King.
"Do you understand?"
"Of course. Whether we win or lose..."
"We will announce that it was Hinata's independent decision."
"That's right. And we will officially recognize Tempest."
Hinata is a discard.
It would be good if she wins, but if she loses, we will cut her off.
We will shift all the responsibility and make her disappear.
Everything is for their ultimate goal.
Everything is shrouded in darkness...
Eventually, the presence of the elders faded away.
??????????????????????????
The report that Hinata Sakaguchi had set out for Tempest with a hundred fully armed Holy Knights quickly reached me.
She was accompanied by only a hundred fully armed Holy Knights.
Without hesitation, she deployed her strongest force to eliminate any obstacles.
Indeed, it's Hinata.
She must have instantly read that anything less than her full strength would only be a hindrance.
However, I feel a sense of regret.
We, the demons, are considered evil beings, yet we try to understand and find a way to coexist. What is their ultimate goal?
If we cannot understand each other, we have no choice but to completely destroy the other.
In that case, a greater conflict will arise.
The bloodshed in the name of religion has been extensive, and for those who have lived in modern Japan, it's common knowledge.
Hinata's actions ultimately amount to imposing her own thoughts on the other side unilaterally.
It's an act that doesn't consider the other's circumstances and doesn't listen to their perspective.
In such a place, there is no true sense of justice.
Does Hinata not understand this?
From the moment we met, she was a kid who didn't listen to others.
If the other side is a demon, there's no need to hear their perspective.
In the end, she believes that even if a greater conflict arises, she can overcome it with her own strength.
Moreover...
Perhaps, what I thought was common sense for someone living in modern Japan, Hinata lacks.
She seems to have come to this world at around 15 years old and doesn't know much about world history.
Or, perhaps she doesn't know much about recent educational trends and what is taught.
Whatever the case, it ultimately depends on whether she can utilize the knowledge she has gained.
Lack of knowledge is not an excuse, and it's not our concern.
Even if Hinata, still a child in terms of knowledge, bears great power and responsibility, there's nothing we can do about it now.
She has chosen to be our enemy.
That's all there is to it, and there's nothing more to say.
I shake my head and change my thoughts.
If she is our enemy, we must destroy her.
I gather the officers to assess the situation.
First, I listen to Soue, who reported Hinata's departure.
By my order, I have spies in major cities like the Kingdom of Engracia and the Kingdom of Palmas.
Gathering information is the foundation of power.
From the moment I sent out messengers, I had them investigate up to the Holy Papal State of Ruberios.
It was reported that an unusual number of knights suddenly began entering the headquarters of the Holy Church in the Kingdom of Engracia.
While it was too dangerous to enter the premises, they were able to confirm the number of people entering and leaving by paying an information broker.
Soue, who I once taught the mindset of a ninja, has developed his own style.
To the point where even I, who taught him, was surprised. It fits him well.
In fact, he learned various practical skills from Hughes.
Just teaching a suspicious mindset wouldn't have led to such results. Indeed, I was convinced.
I dispatch my subordinates, Souka and others, to various places to gather information using locals.
Without my instructions, they have become adept at espionage.
Among the information they gathered, I noticed the unusual number of knights gathering at the Engracia royal palace.
What was suspicious was the unusually rapid communication between the Holy Papal State of Ruberios and the Kingdom of Engracia.
Even with well-maintained roads and safe routes where the appearance of demons is rare, the speed of their movement is too fast.
Moreover, more people are leaving than entering.
Ultimately, it was reported that about 100 knights were assembled over three days.
What was decisive was the confirmation of Hinata Sakaguchi, the "Papal Direct Guard Knight," leading them.
She was so famous that the information broker naturally knew her.
Naturally, 100 people mounted horses and headed towards the border of the Kingdom of Palmas.
In other words, they are heading towards our country by the shortest route.
They will arrive in less than two weeks.
I must praise Soue for gathering this information so quickly.
At the emergency officers' meeting, Soue explained it as if it were nothing.
He has become truly reliable.
"Indeed, gathering information early is important. I'll leave it to you in the future."
"No, this is just the beginning. I will strive to do better."
When I praised him, Soue quietly accepted it.
Truly, he is a shadow.
With his good looks, he's become even more unapproachable.
Now, with this rare piece of information, let's think of a strategy.
Whether they are Holy Knights or not is unconfirmed, but from the situation, I judge that they are undoubtedly Holy Knights.
Then, 100 people, all A-rank or higher, led by Hinata.
This time, 100 people are more dangerous than the 15,000 regular troops from last time.
I have no intention of going alone this time. That would be suicidal.
What should we do?
The officers began to freely discuss.
"Should we just eliminate them all?"
I won't say who, but really, this guy thinks of nothing. He only talks about the result without considering whether it's possible or not.
That's why he has such an absurd unique skill.
"Should we confront them head-on? If so, I think there will be casualties no matter what."
Yeah. Benimaru has become less arrogant.
He has seriously analyzed the forces and can now properly judge the strength of both sides.
It seems he has sparred with Hakuro several times in simulations, and he has shown growth.
I can trust him with the role of general. He might be capable of handling it.
"Should we have our 'Flying Corps' attack from the air?"
"That could work, but they are Holy Knights. Each one is an A-rank elite knight.
Even an aerial attack might not break their multiple barriers.
If it's just to tie them down, it would be best to leave it to Geld."
"Indeed. With our forces, we have the numerical advantage. Tying them down won't cause much damage."
They were suggesting various ideas with that kind of feeling.
Casualties, huh.
It's rare for everyone to come out unscathed. Now, talking about casualties is ridiculous.
However, the opponent is Hinata. She is dangerous.
Last time, I ran away thoroughly, but if I had confronted her seriously, I would have surely died.
Even then, she didn't use her full strength.
Given the current situation, the only one who can face Hinata is me.
I don't think I can win, but with the support of the Holy Knights, it's uncertain.
And, the problem is the Holy Knights. How to deal with them is also an issue.
Will they try to kill us, or will they try to capture us?
As protectors of humanity, they are knights blessed by the spirits.
In this world, the damage caused by demons cannot be ignored. Protecting villages and border towns from demons is the role of the Holy Knights.
They are the place where survivors of demon attacks and those who hate demons can turn to. They bear the hopes, expectations, and prayers of those people.
That is what the Holy Knights are.
If a dialogue with Hinata had been established, or if misunderstandings had been resolved, it might have been possible.
Unfortunately, we are demons, and to them, we are evil beings with no room for negotiation.
I can understand their thinking.
There are survivors of demon-destroyed villages and those who have lost their parents to demons.
And the reality is that mindless demons are still rampant.
There are no demon-related incidents around Tempest, and I don't think any demons have escaped to other areas.
However, in other regions, demons are still appearing and causing chaos.
If we were to annihilate the Holy Knights, what would happen to the protection of those border areas?
I think it would be irresponsible to abandon them.
It's frustrating. All of this is because Hinata is too inflexible.
However, without a way to gain their trust, a conflict is inevitable...
It's also a problem that she is not an easy opponent to defeat without killing.
No matter what, she is an expert in magic. If we underestimate her, we will be the ones to suffer.
If we could overwhelmingly win, it might be possible to make them believe what we say.
It's a difficult situation.
In any case, the goal is to win without causing casualties.
If so, a one-on-one duel.
A formal duel with Hinata to break the spirits of the Holy Knights.
It's a troublesome situation.
Without a clear understanding of the opponent's strength and forces, there's no guarantee that things will go as planned...
"Alright, I've decided. We will try to win without causing casualties among the Holy Knights.
For that, it would be meaningless if we suffer casualties.
So, here's the plan.
First, the Yellow Corps led by Geld will be deployed around Tempest.
Do not allow the Holy Knights to enter and focus on protecting the country.
The Green Corps led by Benimaru and the Crimson Flame Corps will be deployed inside the Yellow Corps.
If the battle begins, they will engage in individual battles from the inside.
Understand? The line set by Geld will be the final defense line.
If the enemy reaches that point, annihilate them without mercy.
Sion and the Rejuvenation Corps.
Gabil and the Flying Corps.
And, Gobta and the Goblin Rider Corps will be the main forces this time.
The Rejuvenation Corps will engage in direct combat. You won't be able to win, but use your immortality to tie them down.
Next, the Goblin Rider Corps, along with Gobta, will support the battle between the Rejuvenation Corps and the Holy Knights.
They will attack and retreat to disrupt the battle.
Focus on mobility and avoid being captured.
Finally, the Flying Corps will wait in the air.
They will rescue captured Goblin Riders and patch any gaps in the defense line.
I will try to resolve the situation with a one-on-one duel, so be prepared for that.
If the Holy Knights can witness our battle, that would be ideal.
Soue, you will monitor the battlefield from behind.
Diablo will avoid direct combat and monitor from the air.
If there is a particularly strong knight, I will leave that to you. The other officers will do the same.
Benimaru, you will command the final defense line. Geld, follow Benimaru's command.
If the Holy Knights' combat strength exceeds expectations and it's difficult to win with all our forces, Benimaru and his group will immediately switch to a retreat.
Fall back to the Hyoik village.
Beldora, if I lose, I will leave Hinata to you.
That's all."
A plan of action, rather than a strategy, was decided.
Even if the rear is attacked and the village is assaulted, I can rest assured with Benimaru and Geld defending it.
The officers began to review my plan while thinking.
I closed my eyes and re-ran the battle prediction.
To be honest, this was the plan that would result in the least casualties, according to Raphael's calculations.
More importantly, Raphael doesn't doubt my victory.
If I struggle or lose here, this plan won't work.
Is Raphael really okay?
I always think he's a bit overconfident.
He trusts me too much.
Raphael's confidence is in my strength, which is different from my own lack of confidence.
Well, whatever.
It seems the officers have also organized their thoughts.
Everyone looked at me.
Then,
"To summarize, we just need to tear them all to pieces, right?"
"..."
"Just kidding.
To summarize, we need to avoid killing the Holy Knights and maintain a situation where no one on our side is sacrificed.
Meanwhile, Rimuru will defeat the enemy leader, right?"
I was taken aback, thinking, "Is this guy really that stupid?"
If Sion understands, the others should be fine.
Leaving the sleeping Gobta aside, there don't seem to be any issues.
"Alright, it seems everyone understands, but I'll say it again.
If the enemy's strength exceeds my expectations and it's difficult to maintain the situation, immediately switch to annihilation.
Diablo, consult with Benimaru on this.
After that, as usual, report the battle situation in order through telepathic links.
I expect everyone to come out of this safely. That's all!"
"Understood, sir!"
Everyone agreed.
Now, all that's left is to wait for the battle.
To ensure a sure victory, I will prepare something on the battlefield.
The device I will prepare is not particularly impressive.
For the officers, the "Holy Purification Barrier" is dangerous.
If the "Holy Purification Barrier" is activated and I lose within it, it will be a problem.
Therefore, a countermeasure is necessary.
According to Raphael's analysis, the structure has been identified.
The structure is simple, using the interference of the Holy Spirit to purify and neutralize mana. However, it requires immense concentration and mental power.
Exercising the attributeless Holy Spirit is impossible with anything less than the best. Probably, at least four people are needed for this reason.
So, what should I do?
If the Holy Spirit can neutralize mana, releasing a large amount of mana is also a method, but there's a more efficient way.
I will create a hole in the barrier.
First, I will dig a large tunnel underground and connect it to Tempest.
The exit will naturally be the point where Benimaru is guarding, where the attack will be concentrated.
Therefore, even if the enemy notices the tunnel, it's fine.
The entrance will be set up at the location where the battlefield is planned.
Since it's known that they are coming from the Palmas direction, it's easy to predict the battlefield.
To avoid damaging the forest, I will guide the battlefield to a more open area.
I will use "Demon Steel" to create the tunnel without hesitation, as it can be recovered later.
I suddenly thought of asking Beldora to wait inside the tunnel. I also asked her to release the suppressed mana at the start of the battle.
With this, the countermeasure against the "Holy Purification Barrier" is complete.
Preparations are done.
Now, all that's left is to wait for the second encounter.