Chapter 921: The Show Begins
"Princess Iris was captured by the Demon King? Is this true?!"
Early in the morning, Prince Jatis rushed to the villa as if his pants were on fire upon receiving the news, anxiously asking everyone.
"It's true! I saw that shady masked man kidnap little Iris with my own eyes! While kidnapping her, he laughed loudly and said, 'If you want to rescue the princess, come to my castle and defeat me! I await your challenge!'"
Aqua dramatically reenacted last night's scene with exaggerated gestures.
"Darkness, what's wrong?"
Megumin noticed Darkness covering her face with flushed cheeks, thinking she blamed herself for failing to protect the princess as a member of the Kingdom's Knife Wielding Clan, and tried to comfort her.
"It's not your fault, because you were never any help to begin with. Your presence or absence makes no difference."
"..."
Darkness, who had initially been feeling guilty about telling Eiji about the princess, was completely thrown off by Megumin's words.
"This doesn't make sense. Iris has divine artifacts protecting her, so why was she so easily captured by the Demon King? And you, a goddess, are utterly useless too?"
Jatis pondered with a puzzled expression, his gaze full of doubt as he looked at Aqua.
"Who are you calling useless! I warn you not to spout nonsense, or I'll tell everyone about you wetting the bed last night!"
"I did not wet the bed! Why are you, a goddess, making false accusations!"
Jatis was furious and desperately wanted to punch this dim-witted goddess in the head, but considering they still needed her power to attack the Demon King's Castle, he decided to let it go.
Even so, he wasn't actually that worried.
He had long seen through the Demon King's intentions, knowing that the Demon King who deliberately gave them hints was actually on humanity's side.
The reason for kidnapping Iris last night might have been to remind them that with over half of the Demon Lord Army's executives dead or injured, it was time to attack the Demon King's Castle!
Peace between humans and demons was within reach!
Prince Jatis immediately made up his mind.
"I'll return immediately to mobilize the army. Once prepared, we'll head straight for the Demon King's Castle!"
"Please allow us to join you too!"
Kazuma suddenly stepped forward with a serious expression, speaking righteously.
"We share responsibility for failing to protect the princess. Let us contribute to this battle too!"
"Kazuma, when did you become so manly? This goddess is seeing you in a new light!"
"I-I'll go too... sob, I shouldn't have last night..."
"Demon King Slayer! Demon King Slayer! This time I must obtain the title of Demon King Slayer!"
Hehe, hehe!
Kazuma was thrilled, thinking he'd soon get to see the show their boss had carefully directed!
"Since you're all so enthusiastic, I won't refuse. Speaking of which, where is Mr. Nangou? I don't see him."
Jatis suddenly remembered the man who could repel the Duke of Hell. If he could help this time too, it would be like adding wings to a tiger!
"Sob!"
For some reason, Darkness cried even harder.
"Boss? Seems like he's busy? Don't worry, I'll go notify him!"
Kazuma patted his chest and agreed, his face blooming with a chrysanthemum-bright smile.
...
Through the kingdom's guild, Jedius issued a mission to adventurers nationwide. While ordinary adventurers were optional, those above level 40 were forcibly required to gather at teleportation points across the land.
Upon hearing it was a decisive battle against the Demon King's Castle, countless adventurers responded.
Within just three days, Jedius assembled nearly a hundred top-tier adventurers, along with elite knights from the royal guard and about a dozen reincarnators wielding divine artifacts. An army capable of sweeping across any kingdom on the continent was thus successfully gathered.
Jedius specifically asked Megumin to recruit some Arch Mages from the Crimson Demon Clan. Megumin readily agreed, largely due to the generous mission rewards.
She made a special trip back to the Crimson Demon Village and brought about a dozen of the clan's Arch Mages. Her parents, Broccoloid, and Stockhold were among them, all eagerly rubbing their hands, ready to give it their all!
"Is that the goddess Eris-sama?"
Yunyun also joined the army, gazing admiringly at the goddess standing prominently in the center of the camp like a landmark.
The goddess was very kind to her believers. Even with a large crowd surrounding her, she showed no sign of impatience, truly living up to the name of a goddess.
The reputation of the goddess played a significant role in gathering so many high-level adventurers in such a short time. After all, the Eris Church was the state religion of this country, and everyone had patronized their services at least once.
"Someone like me shouldn't disturb the goddess. She's so busy," Yunyun thought, and thus logically backed away.
"Dammit! If I'd known Chris was the goddess Eris, I would never have returned the panties I stole! I should've kept them as a family heirloom!" Kazuma grumbled in regret nearby, having been sporadically losing his mind since last night.
Under the gaze of others, Megumin and Darkness unconsciously took a step back, acting as if they didn't know him.
"Wow, it's so lively!" Eiji had just arrived at the camp when he saw the bustling army and couldn't help but clap his hands in delight.
"You! You...!" Darkness immediately rushed over with tears in her eyes, grabbing his collar as if she wanted to strangle him.
"Don't worry, the princess will be fine," Eiji laughed, patting Darkness on the shoulder until she sobbed and stepped back.
"Boss, is everything ready?" Kazuma excitedly approached.
Eiji proudly flashed an OK sign.
He had arranged everything: all the key members were in position, the barrier had been weakened, and now they were just waiting for the grand show to begin!
Soon, Prince Jedius, fully prepared, appeared before everyone. At his call, Megumin and the other Crimson Demons were summoned.
But not long after, Megumin returned with a sour expression.
"Why are you back?" Kazuma asked curiously.
"Explosion magic is the strongest in the world."
"No, what I meant was..."
"Explosion magic is the strongest in the world!"
"Fine, it's the strongest then," Kazuma rolled his eyes.
Shortly after, the Crimson Demon Arch Mages, including Yunyun, dispersed and began chanting spells. A startling white light enveloped everyone.
Before long, there was a gentle jolt, much like riding a high-speed train.
The group left the campsite and appeared on an unfamiliar stretch of land.
Under the gloomy sky, a cold wind swept through, cutting into the adventurers like blades.
In the distance, a massive black castle crouched on the ground like an ancient behemoth. Just the sight of it filled everyone with unease.
This was the area outside the Demon King's Castle, at the northernmost edge of the continent!
Eiji rubbed his hands together eagerly, just waiting to jump out and have some fun!
But ten minutes later...
"Who the hell are you?!" Eiji glared furiously at the woman seated at the head of the Demon Lord's Hall.