The Porter Is Not Interested in the Hero Party

142 – Downfall (6)

“We can’t give them the impression that we’re too strong.”

Lucifer’s words were enough to arouse a curious reaction from the soldiers. The order to reveal what was on the defensive made it confusing what to do. The guards guarding the fortress walked with a slightly more sluggish gait than usual and showed a lack of energy, while the patrols showed a sleeping appearance or ‘played’ a dissolute and lack of discipline.

“We will lose.”

After being slapped in the face, he did not know what the hell had changed his mind, but Lucifer spit out negative words and just watched the reaction of his enemies. And every move of these demons was delivered to the headquarters through the scout post.

****

“They are noticeably lagging. The atmosphere throughout the encampment was shattered. Lucifer writes letters or thinks about something all day, and the morale of the soldiers is also hitting the bottom. Rumors say that there are many problems inside the castle, but I think it’s the influence.”

At the commander’s words, the hero rubbed his chin. In front of my eyes, the documents brought by the porter and Lena were spread out. According to this data, with only a little construction in the basement of the current research center, it was possible to raise enough water to destroy the high ground where Lucifer is stationed.

Their morale was at rock bottom, and they couldn’t have foreseen a plan to topple the hill through the groundwater, so if they charged now, victory was a matter of course.

However, the warrior was hesitant to give an opinion to attack. It was because the insecurity of her animal instincts was interfering with her decision. Obviously, every situation is calling out to attack, but the moment I attack, I have a feeling that an irreversible tragedy will happen.

What is the alternative basis?

What makes you feel so insecure?

“Hero?”

“Wait. Please wait.”

The hero began to examine the materials brought by the porter and Lena again. A research document stating that raising the groundwater will weaken the ground of the fort and cause problems in the defense of the capital. Documentation and underground blueprints for the pumps actually installed in the basement of the laboratory and the power source to utilize them. An underground map for ground work and a demon’s diary found inside.

The hero’s gaze turned to the demon’s diary.

[A new porter came in today. He is said to be a wounded man without an arm. They say that he entered the Material Transportation Department to serve the country even with an injured body, but when he gets bored, he gets annoyed by saying useless things that he didn’t do on the battlefield.

Still, I heard a few interesting stories. It seems that plans to receive new troops through the portal are secretly going back and forth. Since they have been losing battles lately, it is said that it is a story that goes back and forth inside the castle, but he proudly said that he was able to overhear it because he had a good ear.

It seems that he has lost his mind after rolling for a long time on the battlefield.]

“…How does support through this portal work?”

In response to the hero’s question, the commander said. He was the man who had heard the story directly from the porter.

“I was told to tell the story to the hero about that part. From what I’ve heard, it’s said to be the principle of opening a portal by offering a large amount of sacrifices and using that vitality. It is said that the larger the number of people sacrificed, the larger the portal can be opened.”

“A sacrifice?”

The commander nodded.

“Yes. That’s right.”

“A sacrifice?”

As the hero pondered with a serious expression, the commander shook his head and added.

“I decided it was not something to take too seriously. Because, aren’t they the only ones who have life in the demon castle anyway? If summoning demons by sacrificing demons was such a good value for money, I would have called in an infinite number of reinforcements long ago. However, seeing that they are unable to do so, it seems that there are some conditions for offering sacrifices.”

The warrior narrowed his eyes again at the word condition.

condition. What condition do you have? can’t you summon?

*******

The porter packed his things and gasped. When Ashuria and Lena’s luggage was crumpled in, the bag rolled around like a grievous monster. With both hands supported by Millet, Jim returned to his place and crushed the grass with his heavy butt.

“I guess I have to leave here too.”

The porter looked at the capital in a sentimental voice. The capital, with only the tip sticking out, was rustling a black haze as if to tell the porter to come home. Along with the strong demonic spirit, the few demons that were visible in him aroused nostalgia, murderous intent, and hatred at the same time.

Looking at his strange expression, Lena shook her head and said.

“That’s right, I got it right. If we just sweep this place, we can go to the capital in no time.”

“Yes. That’s right. If this area is breached, the capital will be ready soon. They have no defenses and don’t seem to have the will to fight, so we should be able to break through.”

Ashuria nodded her head at those words, but had a questioning expression on her face.

“But it is strange. I have to protect the capital, but I don’t know why I’m so unmotivated. Were the demons a group with such low loyalty? If this place is destroyed, wouldn’t it be possible to harm the Demon King right away?”

Millet said.

“I guess it’s because they have feelings too. Because I think it’s all over now. Could it be that?”

“If you win every day and get smashed like this, of course it will be a big shock. I heard that the commander named Lucifer was also beaten up? Didn’t you lose your motivation after hearing what the devil said inside?”

I nodded my head at Lena’s words.

“It is very likely. Rather, I want to get into the capital quickly. There are things I want to do in the capital.”

Everyone’s eyes turned to the porter when he said it was something he wanted to do. The porter looked around hesitantly, then stammered.

“Why, why?”

“What do you want to do in the capital?”

“There are personal things that need to be done.”

The porter said so and raised his head. Even now, when I close my eyes, the old things are good in my eyes. The black liquid falling from the capital city sky and the people turning into magic crystals in an instant. The porter who was running away and the demons roaring behind the porter.

The sight of the people who had filled the capital turned into magic crystals was still unforgettable.

The disaster that struck everyone suddenly and unbeknownst to him still remained as a trauma in his heart.

“Our warrior will enter like a triumphant general. The capital city gates burst open. As a princess of the kingdom, how does it feel to step into the capital of the empire like this?”

Hearing Lena’s voice, the porter came to his senses. Ashuria said to Lena.

“Wouldn’t there be another resistance at the wall? We may have to prolong the siege.”

“Looking at the scout’s report, I heard that even though the soldiers got out of the castle, there was no movement to go back in? Maybe the troops in that fort and the troops on the southern front are all there? There will only be the Demon King and key personnel in the capital.”

“…It’s surprising.”

It seemed shocking to Ashuria that Lena was reading the scout’s report. When she made a surprised expression, Lena smiled and said.

“No, is it so strange for me to read that? My main mission is assassination, but information gathering is basic.”

“But you always said you didn’t like it when I asked you to read Lena’s books.”

When Millet sighed, Lena averted her eyes and smiled. Ashuria saw Lena and Millet arguing and said to the porter.

“Anyway, I’m glad. If it is easy to enter the capital, the soldiers will be able to wipe out the demons inside the castle, so you can quickly find the original empire you want.”

The porter couldn’t help but laugh at that.

The porter was now recalling the past.

A sudden catastrophe.

Citizens who could not escape became magic stones, and a huge disaster struck the empire.

Demons need a sacrifice to open the portal. It cannot be covered by demons, and it must be a being full of life energy.

The porter thought again.

Was the consent of the person concerned required for sacrifice?

Did the people of the imperial capital agree to the contract with the demons and sacrifice themselves?

Lucifer was said to be a prestigious family. With the stigma of Caybereth, he couldn’t be a devil so incompetent as to accept such a pointless defeat.

What if those unmotivated soldiers, beaten faces, everything was a ploy to deceive us?

[Still, I heard a few interesting stories. It seems that plans to receive new troops through the portal are secretly going back and forth. Since he has been losing battles lately, it is said that it is a story that goes back and forth inside the castle, but he proudly said that he was able to overhear it because he had a good ear.]

The porter ruminated over the contents of the diary.

A sacrifice is required to open the portal.

Then they dedicated everyone in the imperial capital to open the portal. I didn’t ask for people’s consent.

If you’re preparing a plan to reopen the portal, of course you’ve also thought about where to get the sacrifices.

“Sacrifices… … .”

Cold sweat broke out on the porter’s forehead.

“What’s wrong, uncle?”

Lena looked at the porter with a puzzled face. Both Ashuria and Millet were looking at the porter. The porter rose from his seat. I had to go to the conference room right now.

All of this was a trap.

Their plan was not to hold out.

It was to lure the main army of the kingdom army to the demon castle, where everything was already prepared, and use it as a sacrifice for the portal.

At that time, as if all the people of the empire were swept away.