The Lord Demon King is Unfathomable!

A war destined to be filled with despair is about to unfold.

...

The remnants of fire still burn amidst the ruins of Seldo Port under the dusky night, casting grim and dark shadows over the dilapidated streets.

The sea wind gusts through the port, carrying the scent of gunpowder and blood, and unfurls the flags on the Imperial Army's warship decks, making them flutter loudly in the night.

In the cabin of the warship, General Hamoldon's soldiers are making their final preparations, polishing armor, adjusting weapons, closing their eyes to refresh, with no unnecessary words between them—only heavy breathing and resolute gazes.

They know tomorrow's battle is a deadly one, but no one retreats; everyone is prepared to face death.

Under the night breeze, Hamoldon's legion is like a blade poised to pierce the darkness, vigil until the dawn arrives.

Standing on the deck of the warship, General Hamoldon draws his sword and raises it above his head.

"We will never retreat!"

"Even if it means dying—"

"We cannot let the Empire's flag fall on this land."

"Today, we live and die with Seldo Port!"

The voice rings out like scorching steel, resonating sharply in the cold morning light.

Contrasting the desperate resolve of the Imperial Army, the Hell Fortress in the North bears a light and high-spirited atmosphere.

The Red Flame Legion soldiers patrol the barracks, mocking those humans besieged in Seldo Port as they drink strong liquor mixed with sulfur and blood, recounting tales of the Humans' Empire's past defeats.

Hot lava flows across the ridges, its red glow illuminating the Demon Crystal Cannons, resembling towers of death, ready at any moment to rain fire upon the city below.

Crushing these humans will be as easy as squashing a grasshopper!

In the heart of the fortress, amidst a desolate pile of rocks.

General Sebes sits at a black stone table, calmly staring at the chessboard before him.

His fingertip gently moves a piece carved with the Demon King's crest, pushing it to a diagonal position.

"Checkmate."

Opposite him, Deputy Officer Balrog furrows his brow, looking at his soon-to-be entirely surrounded chessboard, sighing: "General, you win again this time... But unsurprisingly, your strategy on the board mirrors your mastery of the battle strategy, always controlling the situation and progressing methodically."

Sebes smiles slightly, tapping the chessboard with his fingertips, his voice calm and deep: "You're flattering me, Balrog."

Balrog grins, continuing: "But speaking of which, General, your strategy this time is truly ingenious. Seizing the moment of the lava eruption to send undead for a surprise attack on the highland, the human's defense didn't even have time to react, and by the time they realized it, our troops had already devoured the entire ridge. This move is simply a stroke of genius! I bet that after the war, the War Department will certainly reward you; a baron's title would be well within reach for you!"

The land they've just captured is enough for a Baron Territory!

Sebes does not reply immediately, instead spinning a chess piece lightly with his slender fingertips, contemplating the chessboard.

After a moment, the corner of his mouth lifts with a curious smile: "Promotion? You're too naive, Balrog."

Balrog is taken aback, his smile frozen.

"What do you mean?"

Sebes does not answer, only scrutinizes the finished chessboard, fiddling with the "Demon King" piece.

"What do you think the war between Hell and the Empire is about?"

Balrog responds without hesitation.

"What else could it be? Of course, it's historical grievances! Our war has been raging for a thousand years; our hoofbeats will sooner or later tread upon the old lands, burning the Holy City of Saint Sis to ashes!"

Sebes chuckles.

"There's no one from the Truth Department here, no need for glamorous words."

Balrog's tone hesitates, embarrassed.

"Then... Honor and land must be correct."

"Accurately speaking, it's about power, at least for us, and as for the Cabinet, Parliament, and the countless demons of Demon City, they all have their own purposes... all these matters combined, that's what's called politics."

Sebes smiles slightly, his deep pupils reflecting a cold glint that sends chills down one's spine.

"Wars are never about any historical grievances, just extensions of present politics."

He pauses, tapping the chessboard lightly with his fingertips, whispering softly.

"And the latter is always just about solving current issues."

Balrog frowns slightly, unable to quite grasp the meaning behind these words or understand why his general suddenly shared such insights with him.

Sebes offers no further explanation, quietly observing the chessboard, with a smile full of intriguing meaning.

Soon, he will leave the frontlines.

The night is deep now, and the volcano's red glow reflects an eerie light in his gaze.

Suddenly, from outside, a hurried horn sound rings out like a slumbering giant awakening, instantly igniting the atmosphere throughout the barracks.

...

The horn seems to come from the coastline, deep and urgent, like the wind before a tsunami.

In the direction of Seldo Port, the Aus Empire's warship turrets slowly adjust their direction, and the mortar barrels lift high, aimed at the Demon Fortress to the north.

As the officer's command saber descends, flames burst from the barrels!

"Fire!"

"Boom——!"

The first round of cannon fire is launched with a roar!

Huge shells streaked with fiery trails whistle out, crashing into the demon defenses on the ridge.