Project Necro is an official initiative by Re:Library.

After that, I returned to the “demon renovation” of Lüenheit.
Using thousands of sandbags prepared over several days by the dogfolk unit, we surrounded the construction sites. It’s a defensive measure to buy time in case of a sudden enemy attack—just a few dozen seconds should be enough for the werewolf unit to rescue the workers.
Also, though I haven’t told anyone this, if an enemy captures one of these sandbagged positions, I plan to toss in a barrel of gunpowder. I figure it’ll be effective.

The problem is that Technical Officer Kurtze absolutely refuses to let me near the gunpowder.

“Sir Veit, you are not to approach the ‘Dragon’s Breath!’”

Why so harsh?
Between us, I’m pretty experienced when it comes to explosives.
Back in my old life, I experimented a lot—with firecrackers in cans, burning weeds with fireworks. I trained hard in this field.
Someday I’ll build a musket corps. Just wait.

While imagining bomb-tipped bolts for our giant crossbows, I decided to check in on construction progress.
There’s a lot on my plate, but my biggest concern is still the hero.
If he’s as strong as the Demon King, then I honestly have no idea how we’d win. That’s just a whole other league.
Even if we threw the entire werewolf unit at him, we’d have no chance.

The worst part is that we don’t even know what kind of person this hero is, what they’re planning, and what their current activities are.
Unlike armies, individuals are hard to predict. The hero could show up at Lüenheit’s gates tomorrow and it wouldn’t be all that surprising.
This place is called the “Demon Capital Lüenheit,” after all. That’s plenty of motivation for a hero to attack.

If that happens, I plan to greet them with a thousand skeleton soldiers. Still, it’s hard to track someone who moves solo.
We also have to consider the possibility that we’ll need the entire werewolf unit to fight. Ever since we left our hidden village, everyone’s been prepared for that.
But honestly, I really don’t want to fight him.

“Lord Veit, we’ve returned!”

A few days later, the veteran dogfolk soldiers returned to Lüenheit.

“Glad to see you’re all well. How did the recruitment go?”

“Yes, we gathered five—”

Five? Five? Please tell me you mean fifty…

“We gathered five hundred recruits!”
“That’s too many!”

How are we supposed to support that many? This town only has about 3,000 residents! We just stationed 500 centaur troops here, too!

“They’re already gathered at the city gate, sir.”
“And they’re all here now?”
“They said that even if they can’t join the Demon King’s army, they’re happy just to immigrate to Lüenheit!”

What nerve!

After a quick huddle with the dogfolk NCOs, I decided to accept 100 of the 500 as official recruits. We split them between the engineer corps and the crossbow unit, reorganizing into 200 engineers and 100 crossbowmen total.
The selection was left entirely to the dogfolk. They’ve got a good nose for choosing comrades.
As for the remaining 400, we hired them as temporary workers to help expand the city walls. Once the new fortifications are complete, we’ll develop a new residential district for them.
Right now, we just need manpower. Period..

With that, Lüenheit’s population topped 4,000, and Aylia became completely overwhelmed managing everything.

“I’m happy to see more demons moving in, but please, show some restraint…”
“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure they pay taxes. Just let it slide.”

While construction shouts and hammering rang out beyond Lüenheit’s walls, I finally received the information I’d been waiting for.

“The hero’s party is currently staying in the northern city of Schwelm.”

That report came from Mao, one of the Lüenheit merchant guild members. He looked like a friendly guy.

“A party? There’s more than one hero?”
“No, the hero is just one man—Lanhardt. But he has three companions, each highly skilled.”

That’s trouble. Humans become a lot stronger in groups.

But wait—wasn’t Schwelm destroyed during the Demon King’s invasion? The Miraldia Alliance only recently retook it, is it even usable as a base?

“I saw refugees returning and rebuilding the town. The hero’s party drove out the Demon King’s remnants and restored order.”

This jerk just casually called the Second Division “remnants.” Though, well, he’s not wrong.
Mao noticed my glare and smirked.

“Apologies. The city’s castle walls and gates have been temporarily repaired, and I hear the 5,000-strong Schwelm garrison will return soon.”

Uh-oh.

Schwelm is right next to Bachen, the last stronghold of the Second Division. If 5,000 soldiers return to Schwelm, it’s over. No way we can win.

“Do you have any info on the Miraldia Alliance’s overall movements?”
“That wasn’t part of the original request, but…”

Mao looked apologetic but continued.

“The main northern force of the Miraldia Alliance consists of the Schwelm garrison—5,000—and 10,000 civilian volunteers.”
“That’s great intel.”
“The volunteers have mostly gone home for rest now that things have calmed down. If a major offensive comes, they’ll be recalled.”

We need someone stationed in Schwelm immediately.

“A few of my agents are there already, under the guise of trade. If you meet them outside the city, they can provide constant updates.”
“…Isn’t that a little too convenient?”

Mao smiled.

“I believe in sincere cooperation and mutual benefit.”
“If it’s really sincere, that is.”

Humans are just like demons—there are all kinds. And this guy is the kind you need to keep an eye on.
Still, I can’t deny the usefulness of the information.
I’m not good at subtext, so let’s cut to the chase.

“What kind of benefit are you hoping for? Doesn’t seem like it’s just money.”

Mao looked pleased.

“Exactly. I’d like to recruit a few centaurs into my transport company.”
“Why?”
“Their speed, strength, and ability to negotiate with demons are incredibly valuable for merchants. They don’t need to be soldiers, just working under me is enough.”

Centaurs are indeed strong and fast, and just having them around can get you safe passage through demon-controlled territory.
If it’s just a few, and not combatants, it might be fine.

But I’ve learned to be cautious when the deal sounds too sweet.

“That’s really all you want?”
“Of course. The Demon King’s army seeks talent, just as merchants do.”

I’m not really keen on giving connections or privileges to this kind of cunning guy… I feel like there’s something ulterior motive going on.
Ah, I get it.

“You want to use the centaurs to advertise your ties to the Demon King’s army and boost your business, don’t you?”

Mao flinched. Then he gave an awkward smile.

“Oh dear, you’ve seen through me….”
“You scoundrel.”
“Guilty as charged.”

Unbelievable.

“Denied. If that’s your aim, I can’t cooperate. It’d just be a breeding ground for corruption.”

Mao looked genuinely disappointed.
After a pause, I gave him a little rope.

“Try again once you’ve contributed more to the Demon King’s army.”
“More?”
“Yeah. A little more.”

Get ready—I’m going to wring every bit of use out of you.

Mao sighed, then bowed.

“In that case, allow me to be of further service. I will now provide you with free intelligence and become your personal spy, Lord Veit.”

This guy has so many cards to play.
He’s still hiding more.
I gave him a pointed look, and he responded with another offer.

“Also, I’ll arrange discreet procurement of construction materials for your walls. Large shipments would draw enemy attention.”
“How exactly?”

He pulled out a map and pointed with his finger.

“We’ll pose as merchants from the north, claiming the materials are for city reconstruction. We’ll quietly buy high-quality stone from the southern cities.”
“You really think merchants from the north would buy heavy stones all the way down here?”

Mao grinned.

“Right now, northern cities are desperate for stone. Even if we show up from afar, no one will question it.”

He’s using his fellow humans’ sufferings as a cover, dang.

“You really are a scoundrel.”
“Guilty as charged.”

Mao beamed.

Back in my previous life, guys like this were everywhere—but demons rarely act this way. They usually get punched out before things get this far.
But, I can’t deny he’s useful.
As long as he proves useful to the Demon King’s army, I’ll use him.

“Alright. I’ll count on your help for now. But if you overstep, I’ll take your head.”
“I understand it fully.

Mao bowed deeply and exited.

Once he was gone, I called out to the next room.

“Monsa.”
“Yeah, Boss?”

The werewolf unit’s top black ops, Monsa, silently opened the door.

“Have your team keep an eye on that guy.”

She gave a sly smile.

“If he betrays us, do I get to kill him?”
“You can beat him up, but keep him alive and bring him in.”
“Roger that.”

Now then, let’s see how this plays out.