DEMON CASTLE-Chapter 37

Honko, the Demon King, was an elite among demon kings, renowned for his exceptional prowess in magical attacks. His rank rose swiftly with the help of his forces, and his casualties in wars or in defense against heroes were practically nonexistent. Such success led to both envy and admiration from many other demon kings. However, fate did not recognize him as the main protagonist.

At that time, the Doppelgänger Demon King, a being capable of transforming into creatures it had previously consumed, launched an invasion into Honko's territory. Cursing his own misfortune for having his domain near the strongest Level Five Demon King, he found himself besieged by behemoths, dragons, hydras, and all manner of rare and powerful creatures attacking from both land and sky. His army of one hundred and fifty thousand demonic eyes had been reduced to just a tenth of its original size. Their adversaries possessed bodies highly resistant to magic, and the souls of the Doppelgängers were so complex that his demonic eyes, which relied on spiritual attacks, found themselves trapped, unable to withdraw as if sinking into an inescapable swamp.

Honko recalled his last resort—accepting an invitation to join an alliance, an offer that had been sent to him long ago. The Level Six Demon King, known as "Havoc of Terror," had invited him to become a member of his alliance.

Soon after, Havoc, accompanied by another Level Six Demon King—a breathtakingly beautiful Succubus—arrived through a teleportation gate, leading armies of demons and orcs. From that moment on, Honko witnessed only the downfall of the Doppelgänger Demon King's forces until the enemy leader himself was the only one left, cornered in front of his altar, begging for his life. Honko never learned of the Doppelgänger's fate, as the Succubus Demon King lifted the altar and its surrounding land, taking the defeated demon king to her own domain with Havoc's assistance.

Though Honko was satisfied with his survival, he found himself infuriated by Havoc's control and commands. However, due to a contract sealed with their souls, he had no means of resisting.

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As the days passed, Honko made an astonishing realization—the Succubus Demon King, better known as Queen Succubus Kaya, had reached Level Seven. Fear gripped him, for he knew a power struggle would soon erupt within the alliance. However, his worries proved unnecessary. Kaya was merely a customer of Havoc's forged weapons, purchasing them to equip her army of orcs and giants. Her military aid to Havoc had no deeper motives. She was a mercenary, fighting for Level Six demon kings in exchange for a hefty price. With her formidable orc army, she became the first player on this server to reach Level Seven.

Only one day had passed since Kaya's ascension when Havoc found himself embroiled in a massive defensive war.

Seeing this as an opportunity to grow stronger, Honko had no doubt that Havoc's overwhelming power, coupled with their alliance's forces, would ensure an easy and predictable victory. However, unforeseen variables led to their utter defeat—Havoc and all members of the alliance perished.

Yet, two individuals did not appear on the battlefield: Kaya and the Level Six Undead Demon King, Hazard. Honko bore a deep grudge against them. Now, one of them had come for him.

Hazard, the Level Six Undead Demon King, claimed to have fought in the battle and barely survived. Now, he sought revenge for his own losses.

After an hour of negotiation, during which Honko secured terms that guaranteed his own safety and profit, he finally laid eyes upon the undead entity.

Hazard's name and rank were befitting of a being with such an aura. The chilling aura of death and the sound of wailing souls sent shivers down Honko's spine.

[Alone, huh? I guess—]

As Honko began crafting a more profitable plan in his mind, he noticed something—the portal was still glowing.

A figure emerged—one resembling a human woman but possessing beauty nearly on par with succubi. As she radiated the power of a Warlord, Honko trembled but quickly steadied himself.

[One? A Warlord is certainly a high-ranking unit, but I and my four generals are also—]

A second one appeared.

[Ha-ha, well, it's only natural for a Level Six Demon King to—]

A third one appeared.

[I can still hold them off. Sure, he's at the peak of the Warlord rank, but—]

A fourth one appeared.

[I think I can take him on one-on-one, right? My Evil Eye of Envy is a stronger race than the Undead—]

A fifth one appeared.

[H-hmph! My army isn't just standing here for decoration!]

A sixth one appeared.

[Are they ever going to stop?]

The seventh one appeared. Honko felt a cold sweat trickling down his back, and for the first time, he found himself speechless.

And yet, they kept coming.

By the time the last one emerged, thirty Warlords, plus one at the peak of their rank, stood before him. The proud glow of his demonic eye was nowhere to be found. Lowering himself to the ground, he kneeled.

"Oh, great lord! Honko and his army are entirely at your service!"

[As if you ever fought in that war! You're just here for the spoils of Havoc's defeat!]

Hazard had no interest in dealing with a bootlicker. He approached Honko, fully aware of his personality.

"Teleport us so I can bring my army."

Honko's pupils constricted. Despite his massive demonic eye, his reaction did not go unnoticed.

"With thirty Warlords by your side, isn't that enough?"

Hazard, unwilling to waste more time, grabbed Honko's upper eyelid and pulled his massive eye close.

"No questions. Just take us to that damned place! I've wasted enough time on your useless contract!"

Honko trembled, realizing that the thirty Warlords had now also turned their piercing gazes toward him, their master's anger clearly reflected in their expressions. Meanwhile, his own demonic subordinates—his Evil Eyes of Envy—were subtly inching away, showing no intention of defending their king.

[Damn it! You all—]

A sharp blow landed on his eye, sending a wave of pain through him.

"Next time, it won't just be a punch. Move it!"

"Ahhhhh! Fine, fine!!!"

A massive magic circle glowed beneath Honko, Hazard, and the thirty Warlords. Without making any unnecessary movements that could disrupt the delicate spell, they vanished.

Hazard had his reasons for being in such a rush. His scouts were constantly encountering enemy patrols, and skirmishes were breaking out everywhere. The enemy's identity was as clear as day from the reports given by Hezhna.

"Darkness that devours the light... You will soon understand that in the end, only death shall consume all of existence! To stand against death... is to embrace it!"