The Prince Wants to Retire

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The Crown Prince Wants to Retire

52. Pain and Prodding Again! (3)

Kariel’s expression hardened at the news of the Southern Allied Forces’ defeat.

“Unknown existences?”

With a puzzled look, Kariel glanced at Talion, who presented another report.

“A gigantic monster with dozens of mouths….”

As Kariel reviewed the report’s details, his face turned grave.

The report contained an elaborate description and included a drawing. It may not have been as detailed as a painter’s work, but it conveyed enough to understand what it looked like.

‘It resembles the creatures that tormented Miriel.’

The Army of Hell that flooded in during my previous life.

It bore a likeness to one of them.

“Attendant Hall.”

“Yes.”

“Investigate these beings.”

“I will inform the librarian.”

Kariel nodded briefly at the attendant’s words and sighed.

“Was Roman aiming for this?”

“It seems so.”

Talion nodded in agreement, echoing Kariel’s solemnity with a sigh.

“Wouldn’t it be more effective to use such a weapon against us?”

From Roman’s perspective, the most terrifying enemy was Ignit.

Why would they openly reveal a means to inflict massive damage on such an enemy?

“There are two possibilities: Either they intend to redirect that weapon towards us, or they feel confident enough to keep us in check, even without using their hidden power.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Talion responded to Kariel’s comment.

“It seems they considered both options.”

“Both?”

“Yes.”

Nodding in response to Kariel’s question, Talion took a moment to collect his thoughts before speaking.

“There’s a high probability they possess a weapon even more powerful than what has been revealed. However, now that it has been confirmed that Ignit won’t launch an attack, it becomes difficult for them to use that weapon against us.”

Since Ignit would certainly not recklessly attack and risk falling into a Roman trap, they needed to maximize the effectiveness of their forces.

Clearly, such powerful weapons would be far more effective against the Eastern Continent’s Allied Forces, so Roman was likely thinking of using their concealed weaponry against them.

“So they plan to use the hidden powers they have against the Allied Forces instead of us?”

“Yes.”

Kariel responded with disbelief at Talion’s answer.

“You think they’ll just leave us alone? That’s absurd. For Roman, it’s the perfect opportunity to weaken Ignit’s power.”

A lengthening supply line, with even supply routes not yet stabilized.

From the enemy’s perspective, passing up such a prime opportunity makes them look like complete fools.

Naturally, they would have to keep nagging away at the unstable supply lines.

Since Ignit had already inflicted pain on Roman, it was now Roman’s turn to gnaw at Ignit’s weaknesses.

“They won’t let this slip by either.”

“What do they intend to use to keep us in check?”

“The Black Moon.”

Talion answered firmly at Kariel’s inquiry.

“They’re outnumbered. Though they are elite, a handful of elites cannot stop an army.”

Kariel bit his lip as he said that.

‘Roman has an elite organization that outmatches Ignit’s Shadows.’

As someone who receives all the important reports from the empire daily, Kariel was aware.

The ‘Black Moon’ of Roman was a step ahead of the empire’s ‘Shadows.’

This was an undeniable fact.

However, that alone wouldn’t be enough to halt Ignit’s forces. They boasted a training regimen that could not even be compared with the Eastern Continent’s Allied Forces.

“After individuals presumed to be from the Black Moon visited Sandria, the existences of Hell began to appear.”

“Do you think the Black Moon can control the existences of Hell?”

“Yes.”

Kariel’s expression grew grave at Talion’s words.

“That’s illogical. The ones that came from Sandria cannot be explained like that.”

“Your Majesty, you must consider that there are individuals from that tribe among the Black Moon’s ranks.”

After Talion’s explanation, Kariel’s eyes widened in surprise, then he nodded, seriousness returning to his expression.

If the current Roman Emperor has ties to the Sandria tribe, then it stands to reason that his direct organizations might too.

“Indeed… that could be a possibility.”

It was truly a long-awaited insight.

The reason Talion could deduce this was that the Shadows were operated similarly.

Among the families of the Shadows, there are those particularly strong or specialized in stealth. The descendants of these individuals were also likely to exist, which is why their families might continue to become Shadows through generations.

From that perspective, the Black Moon could also be a contender, and if they maintained connections with the Sandria tribes, they might continuously recruit those from that tribe into the Black Moon.

“If that’s the case… we’ll need to mobilize all the Shadows to protect the supply line.”

“……Yes.”

They might need to summon all the Shadows currently scattered across the Eastern Continent.

This meant effectively abandoning most of the intelligence regarding the Allied Forces and focusing entirely on protecting the supply lines.

“If we assume the Black Moon can manage the existences of Hell… what’s the exact power difference between the Shadows and the Black Moon?”

“I don’t know.”

“If we assume they handle the monsters that have appeared in the South?”

“It’s estimated to be below 40%.”

Kariel exhaled softly at Talion’s report.

“Is it less than half?”

“I apologize.”

“Then if the Secret Guardians join in?”

“Even then, it won’t exceed 70%.”

“That’s quite a difference.”

Kariel’s expression twisted at Talion’s straightforward answer.

The Shadows, which had been strengthened by absorbing most of the intelligence department’s special forces, appeared somewhat inferior even when facing the Black Moon.

If the formidable Black Moon could wield the powers of the existences of Hell, it would become nothing short of a disaster.

“Getting stronger from here…”

Kariel pulled the initial report he received from the Shadows out of the drawer and began reading.

“Possibly composed of more than several 5th-tier unmanned units. The leader is likely at least 6th-tier or potentially even a Master.”

When he first heard the report about the Black Moon from the Shadows, it was shocking.

He had been aware that Roman had organizations similar to the Shadows, but he never expected the gap to be this vast.

However, there was no immediate solution.

Thus, he devised a plan to counter the Black Moon in the long run.

To consolidate all of the intelligence department’s special forces into a single entity called the Shadows and to promote the most capable agents into elite operatives with numbering.

Only those who met the conditions to fight against the ‘Black Moon’ would receive numbering.

While the current number was extremely low, he firmly believed that it would one day grow into an organization that could stand toe to toe with the Black Moon.

Yet even that might be woefully inadequate if they could manage the existences of Hell.

‘The Secret Guardians and Shadows have their limits.’

As Kariel pondered this, various strategies swirled in his mind.

1. Expand the Imperial Guard.

2. Create specialized units like the Demon Hunters.

Out of those he initially thought of, these two were the most viable.

But that wasn’t the pressing issue right now.

‘Let’s put this aside for now.’

Shaking off the distractions, Kariel turned to Talion.

“So Roman revealing the existence of Hell in this way is forcing me to make a choice?”

“……It seems so.”

The Roman Emperor was pressing Kariel to make a decision.

Would he defend the Allied Forces or annihilate the Demon Army?

“How humiliating.”

Kariel made a bitter face and clenched his fist.

Talion, looking apologetic, bowed his head.

“Whichever option I choose will come with losses….”

Kariel’s words caused Talion to frown as well.

Choosing to defend the Allied Forces would simply give the Demon Army more time, while focusing on the Demon Army would leave the Allied Forces utterly defenseless.

“Send letters to the allied nations. We’re going to strike the demons.”

As Kariel made his decision, Talion bowed his head.

While it was indeed fearful to consider the hidden power of Roman, it was nothing compared to the Demon King.

The power of the Demon King he’d experienced in his previous life was overwhelmingly strong.

Even the Grand Master Glenn would find it hard to contend with such a powerful being.

Without someone like Glenn, who had talent rare even through the annals of Empire history, it would be virtually impossible to stop the Demon King.

‘It must be prioritized to stop the Demon King until Glenn ascends to the rank of Grand Master.’

With this thought, Kariel pushed ahead with the existing plan.

“Bring in all Shadows that are currently in action.”

“Does that mean both domestically and internationally?”

“Yes.”

Kariel made his resolution.

If the enemy’s special forces are strong, then they must counter with numerical superiority.

It was humiliating, but acknowledging the enemy’s strength and devising a corresponding strategy was necessary.

“Should I also call in the Secret Guardians?”

“No. From now on, all Secret Guardians are to focus on Sandria.”

In contrast to Talion’s question, Kariel thought differently.

Even if there was a clear connection between Roman and Sandria, the existence of the beings from Hell was now revealed, so they absolutely had to monitor Sandria.

“As for the intelligence network regarding the allied countries….”

“Leave it entirely to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. From now on, the Shadows will focus all their efforts on safeguarding the supply lines. The Secret Guardians will also concentrate only on Sandria.”

At Kariel’s firm statements, Talion cautiously voiced his concern.

“However, if that happens, what about support for the Nomadic Tribe?”

In response to Talion’s question, Kariel pulled out one of the major reports stacked on his desk.

The Frigid Path created in the northern Frigid Canyon.

It was a report that indicated that the path, formed with the sacrifice of the Demon Hunters and assistance from the Northern Army, was over 50% complete.

“Support for Golan should also be handed over to the Northern Army.”

“Understood.”

“Lastly, I need to pull a few Shadows out for another verification.”

Kariel’s statement left Talion tilting his head.

“Send them to the South to verify this.”

Kariel tore a note and handed it to Talion.

“Check whether divine power correlates with the existences of Hell. Especially ensure to bring the priest from the Temple of Fire for confirmation.”

“I’ll bring back the results as quickly as possible.”

At Kariel’s command, Talion bowed and left the room.

If the existences of Hell also shared a correlation with divine power, Kariel intended to bring in the Demon Hunters active in the North to help defend the supply lines.

There was a reason for Kariel’s thoughts.

‘Regardless of other gods, this one related to fire undoubtedly has some connection to the existences of Hell.’

As if attuned to Kariel’s thinking, Surth appeared.

-You might have a correlation with the existences of Hell, just as you think.

“……Really?”

-I believe that’s why the First Emperor was able to seal the Hell beings.

Surth recalled the past of Hell as he spoke.

The Legion of Death.

They possessed such formidable power that even Surth, the ruler of Muspelheim, couldn’t help but feel apprehensive about them.

While he knew not how Hell had changed since the Mythical Era collapsed, it would have been nearly impossible for the First Emperor alone to fend off the Army of Hell, if it hadn’t altered significantly.

Even if Ignit’s First Emperor were a hero who reached the rank of Grand Master, it was impossible to exhibit the overwhelming power recorded in history.

This implies that there might be a potential correlation between the fire that Kariel harbored and the existences of Hell.

“If this fire does have a correlation….”

-Then it means the powers of the priests who revere you as a saint also bear a relation to it.

A small smile crept across Kariel’s lips at Surth’s statement.

“If that turns out to be the case, that would be wonderful.”

If the Demon Hunters blessed by the power of fire and the Shadows joined forces, it was entirely possible to face the Black Moon.

If that were the case, he could deliver a blow to the Roman Emperor.

“Let’s see just how sharp you are. I’ll return the favor.”

Kariel muttered, his eyes gleaming.

Roman was moving to strike at Ignit’s weak points, and Kariel was devising a plan to counterattack.

Who would win remained uncertain, but it was clear that the outcome of this contest would significantly influence the battles to come.