I had been acknowledged by the Demon Lords and returned safely to **Eterna**.
No matter how that gathering had gone, the moment I wished it, I tore through the void with **Spatial Transfer** and reappeared in my land.
Relief washed through me the instant I saw the familiar skyline. My nation stood firm. My people were alive, working, and well. As I had commanded before leaving for Walpurgis, the patrol teams were already in full watch, every squad moving with military precision. They were sharp, disciplined, unyielding.
I thought to myself, *In terms of defense, there is no nation in the surrounding world that could rival us.*
Even the average soldier of Eterna had reached a level equivalent to B-Rank. Random magic beasts and strays didn't even dare approach. The outskirts had grown eerily quiet—the silence of dominance.
Still, I could not relax. The flow of wandering monsters would never stop, and sooner or later, some would threaten trade routes or settlements. "Solarys," I muttered inwardly, and the Sovereign of Wisdom stirred within.
("A calculated concern. But a manageable one. Your forces already exceed necessity.")
"Maybe so," I whispered, "but precaution never killed a nation."
With that thought, I entered the capital with Veldora lumbering beside me and Shion at my side. The people's reaction was immediate. Soldiers and citizens alike fell to their knees in perfect unison, parting the streets like a living river. A single path opened before me as though the entire nation bowed with one will.
"…They've been practicing," I muttered.
Their reverence was suffocating. Every step I took made the silence heavier. And then, from the front of the procession, **Rigurd** stepped forward as the representative of my executives.
"Lord Atem! We offer our deepest congratulations on your ascension as Demon Lord! Above all, we rejoice in your safe return!"
I paused, my lips tugging into something between pride and discomfort. Their loyalty was absolute—but their dramatics grew worse with each passing day. If I allowed it, they'd probably turn every step I took into a ceremony.
Still, I raised my hand, and the streets erupted with cheers. Another celebration followed, of course. Yet another feast—fire, music, and dancing until the night bled into dawn.
---
The very next morning, I summoned my executives to the council hall. The heavy table gleamed under the candlelight as each one took their place.
I looked to **Souei**. "Investigate the outskirts. Track the movements of wandering monsters. I want answers."
Souei bowed. "At once, my lord. Though, if I may… I believe there is little cause for concern. Most will not dare trespass."
I studied him, frowning. "You're saying coexistence is possible?"
"It may be so," Souei replied. "Even wild beasts know to avoid a greater predator."
"Perhaps. But humans on the highways will not have that luxury." I tapped the table. "Even a weak monster is a nightmare to a merchant caravan."
At that point, **Besta** raised his hand. "Then, my lord, why not erect a chain of anti-monster barriers along the trade roads?"
Before I could answer, **Kaijin** let out a booming laugh. "We've already got something ready! Hah! You'll like this one."
My eyes narrowed. "Explain."
Kaijin grinned like a mischievous craftsman unveiling forbidden knowledge. "A prototype tool—magic steel, engraved with barrier circles. We call it… well, we haven't named it yet, but it'll keep the monsters off the roads."
I leaned forward, studying the rough stone plate they revealed. It was massive—about a meter long, half a meter thick, and heavy enough that three men struggled to move it. Intricate carvings gleamed with sealed magic.
Kaijin slammed his hand against it proudly. "This big boy absorbs ambient magic essence, compresses it into artificial 'magic crystals,' and powers the barrier semi-permanently. Once you plant one every ten kilometers, the whole highway becomes untouchable."
Besta added, "You can even change the type of barrier by swapping the engraved circles. Defensive against monsters, or even protective against hostile spells. Flexible."
Shuna, sitting quietly until now, gave a soft smile. "The collective effort of our craftsmen. Kaijin, Kurobei, myself… we all lent our techniques to make this a reality."
I ran my fingers over the etchings. The energy pulsed faintly, resonating with my own aura. "…You've outdone yourselves."
"Of course," Kaijin barked with a laugh. "We can't let our lord carry the whole burden alone."
The hall stirred with murmurs of approval.
"Very well," I said finally. "Install them along the highways. Every path that leads into Eterna will be covered. This nation will be the heart of all trade—and no beast will dare step within reach."
I turned back to Souei. "Amend your orders. Observe the barriers as they're installed. I want to know the effects they'll have on both the wilds and our nation."
Souei nodded once, his expression unreadable. "As you command."
Thus, the work began. Piece by piece, Eterna moved closer to becoming not just a fortress of power, but the trade hub of the world—a beacon of order in a chaotic age.
Following that, I received reports of recent events.
Truthfully, I should have listened to these first, but I spoke my mind before order was kept. A slip of composure. Something I would not allow myself again.
The world beyond Eterna was calm. No nations had made suspicious moves. No sudden threats arose. Reports on Youm and his group came next. The released king was cooperating, seemingly following the lines I had laid out.
Without experience as a ruler, Youm alone would be devoured by noble politics. But if the king bent to my will, then he could serve as a buffer—an ally to guide Youm until the man was ready. If they accepted my hand, both could become useful pieces in the grand design. I etched the thought into my mental ledger.
The meeting continued smoothly, my executives' reports detailed and precise. Most of my earlier concerns had already been solved by their unseen labor. So, I asked if there were further issues.
Geld, ever diligent, raised his hand.
"It is not a pressing matter, Lord Atem… but I wish to inform the high orc villages about your rise as Demon Lord. If you permit it, I could use the journey to practice my transfer technique."
I regarded him. Geld had worked endlessly on construction, burying himself in roads and fortifications. It was only natural that his thoughts drifted back to his kin. I had neglected them too long.
"Granted," I said. "Go. Speak of what has happened. Remind them where their future lies."
Relief flickered across his face as he bowed deeply.
"Oh, one more thing," I added, letting my words hang over the council. "My dominion now extends over the entire Great Forest. If any part is invaded… we will crush the intruder. But tell me, how does one announce this? Or should I simply let it be?"
The hall froze. My executives exchanged uneasy looks.
"…Did I say something strange?" I asked.
Rigurd shifted nervously. "Everything, my lord? Truly… the entire forest?"
Benimaru leaned forward, his expression serious. "Do you understand what that means? The Great Forest of Jura is a designated inviolable domain. We have ties to the treants, but… the elves. Their hidden village may not take this lightly."
Kaijin slammed his fist on the table, excitement in his voice. "It isn't a problem for us—but for everyone else? A nightmare. By claiming the forest, you've declared that every resource, every right within it, belongs to Demon Lord Atem. That's no small matter. Until now, people lived, built, and harvested here freely. No permissions, no questions asked. But now? From nobles to merchants, even the hidden elves, they will all need your approval."
I frowned. "…If they already live here, must they still seek permission?"
Kaijin answered quickly. "A choice, Lord Atem. Accept your protection, or reject it and stand alone. If they refuse, they have no right to cry for help when attacked. But at the very least, they must acknowledge your sovereignty. They must come to you."
Before I could speak, Gabil jumped to his feet, eyes wide. "Th-This is monumental! I must inform my father immediately! The entire lizardman race must prepare to swear loyalty to your claim!"
So it truly was a larger matter than I'd anticipated. I leaned back, folding my arms, my gaze sweeping over the hall. Shion, seated to my right, looked oddly triumphant, her chest puffed out as if this had all been her achievement.
I sighed inwardly. *Shion, this territory is not yours to boast about. I earned it, not you.*
Despite her polished appearance, her aura of authority, and her flawless secretary façade, Shion was… still Shion. A sword sharper than her mind. A pity, really.
I pushed the thought aside and spoke, my voice cutting through the tension.
"Very well. If recognition must be enforced, then so be it. Let the elves come. Let the others bow. The forest belongs to Eterna—and none will claim it without my consent."
The council bowed their heads, their faces lit with determination. My claim had been spoken aloud. The Sovereign's will was now law.