The room the young minister had provided was a stark contradiction to the rest of the Crimson Red. Where the castle halls were carved from blood-colored stone and lit by flickering torches, this chamber was a sterile environment of smooth, metallic surfaces and cold, steady light emanating from glowing panels in the ceiling. A massive table in the center displayed a holographic map of the continent, its shifting lights and symbols utterly alien to Rie.
She stared, wide-eyed, tracing a finger through the air where a miniature mountain range was projected. "So... you really are a devil?" she finally asked, turning to Gamma, who was examining the map with an unnerving intensity. "Why didn't you tell me? All this time, I thought..."
"I wasn't supposed to," Gamma replied without looking up, his voice a flat, filtered tone from his helmet's speaker. "My identity was a tactical asset, deployed only when necessary. The demon court needed convincing, and showing them my true form was the most efficient way to secure their cooperation."
"Cooperation? But why them?" Rie pressed, confusion creasing her brow. "Why get involved in our war at all?"
"Because I'm not alone in this fight," Gamma said, finally turning to face her. His visor's glow seemed to intensify. "The 'angels' aiding the humans are traitors. They were my comrades once. We were supposed to be decommissioned, retired. Instead, they mutinied, murdered our crew, and stole an arsenal of advanced weaponry. They brought that war here." He clenched his gauntleted fist. "I can't hunt them all down by myself. I need an army. So I gave these people a story they would understand, a devil they could believe in."
Before Rie could process this, the doors to the chamber slid open with a soft hiss. The young, cold-eyed minister strode in, his expression a mask of polite calculation.
"My apologies for the intrusion, Lord Marshal." He gave a slight bow. "My name is Roz, and I am the minister of internal affairs. More importantly, I am the Empress's younger brother." He smiled, though it didn't reach his eyes. "I find myself intrigued by you. Your performance in the throne room was… compelling. A masterful fabrication built upon a foundation of absolute truth."
Gamma's helmet tilted. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"It means," Roz said, his eyes narrowing slightly, "that while the 'Marshal of Hell' persona is a convenient lie, the hatred you have for these angels is undeniably real. Your desire for vengeance is a tangible force. That makes you a reliable, if temporary, ally." His gaze flickered to the map. "You wish to kill the angels, correct?"
"That is the primary objective," Gamma confirmed.
"And the humans who fight alongside them?"
"They are not my target, but they have chosen their side," Gamma stated coldly. "They stand between me and the traitors. In war, anyone standing in your line of fire becomes a meat shield. I have no qualms about destroying them to reach my goal."
A flicker of grim satisfaction crossed Roz's face. "Excellent. Then our goals align perfectly. Though it seems you are not fully briefed on the specifics of our war."
"Honestly, I don't know the first thing about it," Gamma admitted. "Something about a prophecy?"
Roz gestured to Rie. "Perhaps your... sister... can provide the common soldier's perspective."
Rie flinched at being put on the spot but quickly gathered herself. "W-well, it started with a prophecy," she explained nervously. "It said the 'monstrous races' were an abomination destined to destroy the world. The human king used it to form the Divine Alliance and rally the other kingdoms. They call this a holy war to wipe us out, but the elders say it's just an excuse for the humans to expand their empire."
"Precisely," Roz cut in smoothly, taking over the conversation. "They frame their invasion as a divine crusade, sanctioned by their goddess. And with the appearance of these 'angels,' their soldiers believe they are truly invincible holy warriors."
"So, a war based on mystical beliefs, used as a pretext for a land grab," Gamma summarized, his tone dripping with disdain. "Pathetic, but effective. You're fighting an enemy with absolute morale."
"Which is why your arrival is so fortuitous," Roz said. "You provide us with an equal, a divine counterpoint to their angels. You are the devil our people need. So, tell me, Lord Marshal... what do you require to begin your hunt?"
"Now we're talking," Gamma said, turning back to the holographic map. His finger tapped on a region near the border. "I need a small, specialized unit. A five-demon squad under my direct command."
Roz raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Specify your requirements."
"First, a fast reconnaissance specialist. Someone who can move unseen. An assassin," Gamma began, his voice taking on the cadence of a commander giving orders. "Second, a heavy assault unit for frontline engagements. A tank. I believe you have orcs who fit that role?"
"The Goliaths of the Ironfang tribe are formidable," Roz confirmed. "It can be done."
"Good. Third, a sniper. Someone with exceptional eyesight and accuracy for long-range support. Fourth, a support unit. A mage skilled in healing and communication."
"We have battle-mages who specialize in restorative and telepathic arts," Roz nodded.
"Perfect. Assemble them," Gamma commanded. "I'll be waiting for my new unit."
"It will be done, my Lord," Roz said with a final, crisp bow. "For now, you and your sister should rest. You have been granted accommodations befitting your station." He gestured to the door, where a demon maid in a simple but elegant black dress had appeared as if from nowhere. "The staff will see to your needs."
The maid led them from the cold, tactical command center to a lavish suite in what looked like a high-end inn. The room was warm, filled with plush crimson carpets, a roaring fireplace, and a bed so large and soft that Rie let out an excited squeak and immediately jumped onto it, laughing as she sank into the feather-filled mattress.
"Gamma, look! It's so soft! I've never slept on anything this amazing!" she chirped, rolling around gleefully.
As the maid offered a polite bow and excused herself, leaving them alone, Rie continued to explore the room, marveling at every luxury.
Gamma, however, ignored it all. He sat in a high-backed chair by the window, the boisterous sounds of his new "sister" fading into the background. He pulled out his PDA, its screen casting a cool blue light on his black armor. A map of the region appeared, dotted with blinking icons.
One objective was complete: he had secured a local military force.
Now, for the next phase. His fingers moved swiftly across the screen, initiating a search algorithm. He had cargo to find.
And traitors to hunt.