Chapter 135

The reason why demons can’t wield their full power in the Middle Realm boils down to a simple fact: there’s not enough mana around.

More precisely, it’s the lack of an environment that replenishes expended mana.

Even a Demon King with the strength to split the heavens is just another living being made of flesh without mana.

Of course, it’s not like there’s no mana at all in the Middle Realm.

In fact, it’s quite abundant.

However, when compared to the dense mana permeating the Demon Realm’s atmosphere, the Middle Realm’s mana density falls drastically short.

Additionally, the uneven distribution of mana-rich and mana-barren areas only adds to their headaches.

For demons whose very bodies rely on mana, the air and environmental structure of the Middle Realm are practically toxic.

Thus, invading Demon Armies are faced with an unavoidable either-or choice upon entering the Middle Realm: adapt to its atmosphere and natural environment or transform the invaded territories into something akin to the Demon Realm itself.

Though they may temporarily seize mana-rich regions, these efforts remain fleeting.

Hence, every invasion involves the same pattern: seizing and dominating territory before converting it into a Demon Realm-like ecosystem and atmospheric condition.

War, after all, is nothing but total consumption and expenditure.

Those unaware of this harsh reality would inevitably repeat cycles of invasion and occupation, only to eventually succumb to the overwhelming logistical assaults of the Middle Realm over time.

But reinforcements? None available.

Material resources spent? Irreplaceable.

And restoring depleted mana reserves? Downright perplexing.

Based on the experiences of some returning demon survivors, the Demon Realm did engage in learning and reviewing past mistakes.

Yet, this required the reigning Demon King to possess both receptiveness and rationality to fully absorb such lessons.

And as always, Demon Kings tend to focus solely on the present rather than the future, given their positions aren’t permanent or hereditary.

Before launching invasions, a Demon King often seeks advice and cooperation from demons whose goals align somewhat with theirs—like those who’ve shared knowledge on eroding the Middle Realm into a Demon Realm environment.

Thus, each Demon invasion left behind heavily polluted zones that couldn’t easily recover, even after the Demon King fell and the demons retreated.

The longer they lingered, the harder it became to restore affected areas to their original state, requiring decades naturally or years with intervention.

Herein lies the importance of Divine Spells powered by Divine Energy and White Mages.

Even traitorous demons siding with the Human Alliance proved useful for similar reasons.

But…the eastern continent was a different story altogether.

Despite having the most contaminated areas, its people stubbornly clung to their homeland.

Relying solely on the meager abilities of White Mages and the superhuman divine powers of a few religious leaders, they survived.

This led to severe side effects while other nations focused on preserving and restoring their lands; the Easterners merely continued meaningless disputes over their small patches of land.

Irene’s Order was seen as an expansionist ambition, and the Empire’s mercy was perceived as malicious interference.

Thus, priests and believers loyal to old gods, along with rulers and lords of various states, thoroughly rejected outside help.

Even as other regions improved—even the once devastated North—the East remained stagnant due to inflated pride, selfishness, trivial disputes, and power struggles.

Fundamentally, it was distrust driving them apart.

Hatred and enmity fueled further division.

The East had been shunned across the continent for aligning too quickly with the Demon King in the past.

Yet, they resented others’ failure to empathize with their plight, which might’ve otherwise led to their early demise.

Conversely, seeing no remorse or apology but instead anger from the Easterners, others could only feel exasperated.

Thus, the East was thoroughly isolated.

Even local mages avoided interaction, except for open-minded merchants.

Ironically, prolonged peace came not from unity but from sheer weakness and supply line collapse.

Their chosen system relied on acquiring elite combatants and establishing dueling cultures for conflict resolution.

A twisted form of chivalry emerged here, differing greatly from Irene’s Order or the Berke Empire’s versions.

Dying in battle wasn’t glorious anymore; surviving victories became paramount.

Old customs like offering duel winners or losers in rituals were abolished due to conflicts among clergy, rulers, and lords.

In this way, Irene’s Order helped dismantle entrenched local religions.

Its greatest advantage? Despite enduring humiliation, members persisted in spreading kindness.

Eventually, even the hardest hearts began to take notice.

And it worked.

“It’ll be safe around here.”

Divine barriers are essential against demons and devils, especially now when breathing alone feels oppressive.

Irene’s missionaries played a crucial role during such times.

“A worthwhile wait, I see.”

An elderly man’s words drew attention to a humble-looking missionary with an indescribable aura—not quite fitting Irene’s Order.

“Didn’t Irene say perseverance leads to fruitful rewards?”

Such devotion was their biggest merit.

Self-sacrifice fostering others’ prosperity—what greater good exists?

“How did you foresee and prepare for this?”

“It wasn’t foresight but readiness. As they say, failing to prepare is preparing to fail.”

The missionary paused, then nodded in agreement.

“Truly profound wisdom sinking deep into one’s heart.”

Words matching actions overcome crises, rescuing many.

What better method exists?

“Brother Rupert, right?”

“Yes, call me that.”

Once a temple, now reduced to ruins, served as temporary shelter for Irene’s followers amid chaos.

Inside, amidst gathered destitutes and ineffective commoners, a few elites clad in iron helmets and armor debated strategies.

Rupert observed quietly, using senses beyond sight.

‘Even in hell, humanity remains.’

Though many abandon their humanity, others still endure.

Born into misfortune, countless innocents suffer unjustly.

Had they been born elsewhere, their fates might’ve differed.

But here they were.

‘Then…’

They must overcome or endure somehow unless choosing death.

And through this process, their true nature will reveal itself.

If God threw them into fire to separate wheat from chaff, only a select few will emerge unbroken steel.

Isn’t that too cruel for the rest?

Rupert snapped out of thought hearing a nearby novice reciting prayers softly.

“Our Father in heaven, forgive us our sins…”

Also protect us from temptation and save us from evil.

‘Just save us from evil…’

Hate sin, not sinners—that phrase finally clicked for Carriel.

Perhaps he’d glimpsed the shadow of truth, though not yet its essence.

Enlightenment doesn’t bring ecstasy if it isn’t what you truly seek.

It merely offers new insights.

What is good? What is evil?

“Long wait, huh?”

That brat, having devoured all food offered, pointed confidently at him.

His arrogant demeanor was deeply irritating.

Realizing mere breath from him spreads malice made ignoring him harder.

Where does this discomfort stem from?

Is it genuine or planted?

“We’re always someone else’s trial. That’s our cursed fate. But conversely, you’re ours too, right? Isn’t that fair?”

“Think what you want.”

Darkness surged as Rupert rose.

“Testing trials sounds nice.”

Carriel chuckled.

“You’re really shaping up to be a poet.”

Though amusing, I have no room for leisure.

I focus solely on my ultimate opponent.

From start to finish, no exceptions.

So I wonder…if Father were here now…

How long would this withstand him?

Anyway…

With stakes this high, getting caught might happen.

Thoughts wandered.

He gripped his sword, drawing it from fractured spacetime—a blade darker than pitch black.

The startled demon stared wide-eyed.

“The Crown Breaker? Why do you have it?”

“Crown Breaker?”

Right, Elbat was nicknamed this, wasn’t he?

“Because I’m the rightful owner?”

Confusion rippled.

Just showing this changed attitudes abruptly—unnerving.

Apparently, Elbat’s infamy exceeded expectations—even terrifying demons.

Wait, Grandeous and the Demon King didn’t mention this?

Golden Girl glared fiercely.

“Are you seriously thinking about this now?”

Reflecting on it, both underestimated their achievements.

The nickname came from Fielbar, the Vampire Prince.

“Changed your mind?”

“Damn. This really was a trial, huh?”

The demon postured fearfully yet radiated dangerous excitement.

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