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For two days after that, I waited for the hero within Grünstadt Castle. I worried about Lüenheit as well, but inside this castle I was the only mage capable of using healing magic.
Once my master recovered, I planned to switch with her—but if the hero arrived before then, I would be the one doing the healing.

Meanwhile, disturbing reports kept coming in.

“Three patrol squads have been wiped out in the last two days.”

Vice Command Schula wore a grim expression.
The X-marks on the map were drawing steadily closer to Grünstadt Castle.

“It can only mean they encountered the hero.”

When I said this, Schula nodded.

“I had strictly ordered them to avoid combat and prioritize reporting, so they must have been annihilated before even having the chance to retreat.”

It felt like a horror movie. In an encounter amidst the mist, a lone infantryman—such as the hero—could set ambushes, giving him overwhelming advantage.

“Based on your unit composition, Lord Veit, each patrol was four riders, split into two pairs of front and rear guard, so that if one side was attacked the other could retreat and report. And yet…”

That meant he had heard the cavalry coming, hidden himself, and cut down all four before they could flee.
Terrifying.

“You also examined the bodies, did you not, Lord Veit?”

I had. Hoping they might still be alive, I checked them—but they had been slain beyond any hope.

“They were severed in a single stroke, rider and drake together. No ordinary one-handed sword could make such a cut.”
“What do you make of it?”

It could have been a large weapon, but the wound carried none of the “heaviness” of an axe or greatsword.
They had been sliced cleanly, like with a razor.

I wasn’t certain, but I answered anyway.

“This is merely a conjecture as a mage, but it was probably the hero’s magic.”
“I see… then it is already beyond our capacity to counter.”

Schula’s face twisted in frustration, but I pressed her further.

“Judging from the last annihilation site, the hero is already close to Grünstadt. Further patrols would be too dangerous.”
“I agree. From here on we’ll conserve our strength and maintain vigilance inside the castle.”

Then she lowered her voice.

“A short while ago, an order was given: the entire Second Division is to disband. They are permitted temporary return home.”
“That’s for the best. We know the hero’s rough location and direction of advance, so we can let them escape without risk of running into him.”

The Second Division was finished. With their commander slain, they had lost courage, confidence—everything. And they were exhausted after their long expedition.

With their dissolution, the only combatants left in the castle were the dragonfolk. The Crimson Scale Cavalry: five hundred riders, plus three thousand infantry, and twelve royal guards with officer-level skill.
The infantry battalions were each under a vice commander’s lead, but after consulting the Demon Lord, I had them withdraw.
If my prediction was correct, whether it was three thousand strong or thirty thousand strong, it would make no difference.

The hardest to deal with was the Crimson Scale Cavalry.

“Please withdraw outside the castle for now.”
“We cannot. At the very least, the knights must remain at His Majesty’s side.”

Vice Command Schula spoke firmly, her tone unyielding.
This is troubling… however elite they might be, against the hero they were no more than bundles of straw.
But if I said so, Schula would never agree to retreat.

At that moment, His Majesty the Demon Lord appeared, armored, with the Black Scale Guards at his side.

“Schula, you seem to be troubling Veit.”

His voice was gentle, like that of a father speaking to his daughter.
Schula instantly straightened, replying in a stiff, nervous voice.

“N-no, I was merely seeking to fulfill my duties as Vice Commander!”
“Your loyalty gladdens me. But listen well, Schula.”

The Demon Lord bent down to meet her eyes.

“According to Gomoviroa and Veit, the hero possesses strength equal to mine. If so, then the surest tactic is for me to fight him directly. No matter how skilled you or the Crimson Scale Knights may be, could you triumph over me?”

Well, exactly. Even if the entire Demon Lord’s Army challenged him, His Majesty would probably win.
Honestly, if he wanted to exterminate humankind, he could do it alone. Not that he ever wants to.

Gently persuaded, Schula lowered her gaze, answering in a strained voice.

“You are right… I…”
“Enough, say no more. Your loyalty and valor are my pride. That is why I will not lose you all to such trifles.”

He just called a hero’s invasion a trifle. That’s the Demon Lord for you.
Of course, he knows it’s not that simple—but he also knows that saying so reassures Schula.

At last, Schula seemed convinced.

“My apologies. I will follow Lord Veit’s proposal.”
“Good. I have Veit and my guards with me—together, they equal ten thousand soldiers. You should protect the survivors of the Second Division. In time, they too must return to the front.”
“Yes!”

Geez. Finally, she accepted.
And now she looked positively relieved, almost cheerful—a completely different person from moments ago. That’s the Demon Lord effect.

“Lord Veit.”

Schula turned to me, speaking earnestly.

“Please lend your strength to His Majesty in my stead. And, may you too survive this.”

Truthfully, I had no idea what would happen. If luck turned against me, the odds were high I’d be killed.
So all I could say was:

“I will give it my all.”

Finally, when the castle had grown completely silent, and the night’s darkness crept over the deep forest—
From beyond the mist, he came.