Intersected Checkmate

Velda surveyed the situation of the war in various places expressionlessly.

The results are unsatisfactory.

Or rather, it was so disastrous that it may be said to be a total defeat.

In the battle in Milims territory, the angels are being expelled as Vega was defeated.

Although it was a large army numbered 200.000 angels, it was a disastrous scene as there were only 10.000 or so remaining as the result of being absorbed by Vega or annihilated by Karion.

Overwhelmed to the point of annihilated.

Victory on this battlefield couldnt be expected anymore.

Looking at El Dorado, the place ruled by Leon, the stalemate continues as theres no one commanding the angels and the city barrier cant be broken.

Although he couldnt see the situation inside the isolated castle by a barrier which disconnected it from the space, Velda knew that Kagali was already defeated.

He gaveEvil Dragon Lord Azi Dahakato Kagalis subordinate called Footman, but it would aim both sides that are inside the place.

The fact that the barrier remains standing means the fight still continues but Velda felt an uncomfortable feeling.

The decisive one was Dagruels defeat who attacking Holy Empire Ruberios where Ruminas lives in hiding.

Dagruel who is the strongest among the Four Fiends of Heavenly Commanders, his defeat as one who boasts combat capability next to him is something that Velda couldnt ignore.

The giants of the Chain of Restrain Titan army seemed to stop moving and accept defeat.

(It cant be, for Veldora to win against Dagruel

Even when I check the combat data with Velgrind, I cant find any winning factors

Its vexing, but it was outside his imagination that Veldora won against Dagruel.

Im very sorry. In my calculation, for the Four Fiends of Heavenly Commanders, thats Vega, Kagali and even Dagruel to be defeated is

Velda raises his hand to stop Lucia who starts apologizing.

Oh well. Even in my calculation too, Dagruels defeat was not expected.

The question is how to do the next move.

Dino whos attacking Demon Lord Rimurus headquarters is still alive.

Most of the war potentials were concentrated on this place, but it was because Dino is the one with the most passive combat capability.

As for Milims territory, theres no problem to leave it alone.

Because Demon Lord Milim who was the most important issue had been obtained.

He can ignore Leons El Dorado too.

As for the reason of the attack in the first place was because he allowed Kazarims selfishness who showed an obsession towards Leon, it doesnt mean that its an important place.

As for protecting the Heaven Gate and also cutting the source of the peoples faith, it was important to destroy Holy Empire Ruberios

The hope of the Western Countries people was lost by telling them the annihilation of Demon Lord Rimuru.

In addition to this, if he destroys the headquarters of the Western Holy Church, the people who are resisting would give up in despair.

But

(The presences of Veldora and resistance forces in various places keep giving hop to the people.)

That was Veldas analysis

Even for the Holy Church, its only one of them.

It seems that the network between the countries is beyond what he imagined and cant be looked down.

Velda felt ironic as it was Kagurazaka Yuuki, his host, who created the organization specialized even in information transmission, thats Freedom Association.

(It wont be interesting if its not like this. Everything would end immediately once I go out, lets have them resist as much as they want.)

It was more fun than he thought, Velda was satisfied. Next, Well then, what would they do? he thought.

In front of him is Lucia.

On her right side is Milim.

Kneeling down below him were the last two of the Executioners, Zero and Mai.

They are his remaining war potentials.

He intends to defeat every one of the Demon Lords and in reverse blame it on Demon Lord Rimurus subordinates.

In territorial strategy, it could be said to be his complete defeat. However, the enemys King that is Demon Lord Rimuru has already been destroyed.

Theres no need to panic so Velda thought.

Above everything else, his true and important goal is to defeat Guy Crimson and Chloe OBell who have the possibility to be equal to him.

In fact, if he destroys the strongest people in this world, it would be easy to purge the remaining forces.

Currently, Guy is fighting against Chloe. Also, Velgrind is fighting against Velzard.

Chloe would be free once she defeats Guy, but she wouldnt be able to point her sword at Velda due to the restriction. However, just in case, he ought to kill her together with Guy.

As long those two perish, it might be possible to persuade Velgrind.

Thinking so, Velda makes Lucia states her opinion.

Its about time for Demon Lord Guy Crimson and even the True Hero Chloe OBell to be exhausted.

We should send all of our war potential and kill both of them.

Lucia answered so without hesitation.

Satisfied with her answer, Velda stands up.

Good! Then, I will give new power to Zero. With this, go to Guys place

Before he finishes talking, Velda stopped moving.

(Wait isnt they are too easy to be read?

The calculation derived by Lucia is also worrisome as everything ended up with failure.

Although Demon Lord Rimuru was killed, why theres no hesitation in that guys subordinates movement?

Also, Veldoras action is

No way, hes still alive?

If thats the case, he knew that Ill be aiming at Guy and the other.

Then... what I should target at, is Tempest?)

Its completely unexpected from Lucia who is the strongest Manas.

Although she doesnt possess Ultimate SkillWisdom Lord Raphael, Lucias intellect is very high.

And yet, the result was too unnatural.

A change of plan. Attack the Monster Country Tempest. Zero, assemble all remaining troops and join Dino.

Ill give you this, Ultimate SkillEvil Dragon Lord Azi Dahaka, its almost approaching its completion, accumulated more combat experience.

Master it. Even RamirisLabyrinth Creationcan be broken if you use it.

Go! Trample that place and realize the birth of the new worlddestruction of this world!

As your will!

Receiving Veldas command, Zero stoop up and went away.

Mai too follows Zero and left the place.

Only Lucia and Milim remain.

Velda calmly sat on his throne and laughed a little.

(If Demon Lord Rimuru is alive, theres no way he wont move when Ramiris is in danger.

He will guess that I was going to aim for Guy and ChloeRook and Bishop, but hes wrong.

Instead, Ill lure him out and get the checkmate in one go.)

Velda was convinced that Rimuru had survived.

However, as he didnt show himself, Velda predicted that he might not in perfect condition.

Or maybe, he thought that Velda will move in order to end both Guy and Chloe and awaiting the opportunity to strike at such opening?

Either way, Velda has seen his plan.

(As long Im in this Sky Castle, I wont lose. On the contrary, Ill lure Rimuru out and put an end to him.)

That was Veldas thought.

Its a checkmate, Rimuru! Well, how will you move next?

The Sky Castle with only Lucia and Milim left was filled with emptiness.

In this place, Veldas laughter echoed a bit.

His laughter became a small signal announcing the war entered its final phase.

Too damn strong!!

That Giant Ossan is so absurdly strong!!

I didnt think that Dagruel has so much power and Id see Veldora-san fighting with full power.

Kufufufufu, as expected from Veldora-sama. Even I wouldnt be able to win against Demon Lord Dagruel with my body intact.

Im nodding in admiration as Diablo has the same opinion as me.

As I can feel his confidence from his words, I dont think that he would lose one-sidedly.

However, for him competing against Veldora in strength is abnormal in the first place. Dagruel is too strong.

I didnt notice anything that indicated Dagruel would be this strong when I met him before.

Even in the fight just now, Veldora would have lost if he made a mistake.

Indeed. Without the combat experience from fighting Velgrind, Veldora might have been defeated.

Ciel-sensei calmly said so, but she seems have not doubted that Veldora would win.

She was probably confident as Veldoras ability was strengthened by her own hands.

Oh well, that confidence is justified.

Veldroras Fertile Paradox has transformed the barren desert into a great forest.

Didnt he strengthen it too much?

It was refreshing seeing his usual magic experiment.

This ability is too haphazard.

Sacrificing the angel army who was attacking Ruminas capital, the land which was poured with excessive energy has splendidly revived.

Absurdly, it seems the angels were not allowed to resist it.

The probability of success was manipulated and it seemed that resisting became impossible.

Indeed, so Veldora-like. What a terrifying guy.

Kuaahaaahahaa! Actually, I used the magic essence completely! I want a refill.

Although if he didnt come back and then demanding like this, I would think that he was such an amazing guy

I let out a sigh like saying Good grief, and began transferring my energy to Veldora.

Hey, the other thing is fine, but Velda wont know this place right?

Of course. Do I look like someone who will make such blunder?

Veldora-san is so confident.

Its visible when I asked him, oh well. Lets think about it when we get exposed.

Besides, Veldora-sans activity this time is a wonderful work worthy of praise.

He restored the out of order ley line and corrected the distortion of that land.

Thanks to that, there are more cards that this side could play.

He also acted skillfully not to raise Veldas suspicion.

Therefore, I thought that I will let him taking a large amount of magic essence from me.

Well then, it can be said that the war has completed its first stage.

In Milims place, the army lead by Karion had exterminated the angels.

Gobuta was participating in the meeting in Tempest, but it seems that he return back and cooperates with Karion again.

There seems to be some injured soldier from Gobutas subordinate, but they recover immediately as a large amount of High Potion seems to be prepared beforehand.

This place will be fine I guess.

Even in Leons El Dorado, it was a real victory.

While maintaining the barrier, orders were issued on the battlefield.

Theres no problem in here either.

With this, victory in various places except in Tempest is confirmed.

However, Ciels strategy is amazing

What Im really anxious about is just Gobutas fight.

But, there was insurance even for that fight. Because it included the cleaning up afterward as the Devil Lords defeated the Seraphim.

In the worst case, Diablo would go and support them, but I just worried too much.

As for the reinforcement request coming from Mizari, there would be danger for anyone who went there.

However,

Benimaru is the one who go there. Because Kazarim is related to Gelmudos matter.

Ciel said so, asserting that there was no need for me to issue orders.

There were various things that make me want to go, but it can be said that everything is going as Ciels prediction.

From the moment of predicting Dagruels betrayal, she prepared Veldora to be lurking in preparation just in case of the worst.

If Veldora didnt wait for his turn, Shion and the others might not have a hard fight though

I suspected that this might be a part of Ciels strategy so Shion would show some growth.

Well, I dont think that its like that.

Although I was the one who sent Masayuki to various places, it might be just a coincidence that he happened to be there when Hinata facing her crisis.

But, it seems it was Ciels intention for the children to go to Ingrassia Kingdom. Its not surprising as Ciel knows Alices Crisis Perception ability and incorporated it into her strategy.

The proof was Kumara going together with the children as their bodyguard.

What caught my eyes next is Masayuki.

That guys grasp over peoples hearts seemed to be strengthened to a level that cant be taken lightly.

I sincerely thought that Im glad Masayuki is my ally.

However, he helped to wipe out peoples anxiety in various places.

The result is beyond what I intended.

Regarding Masayuki, Ciel didnt modify his ability, but taking a memo of the acting coaching is Ciels idea.

As expected, Ciel had a part even in this matter too.

Seen in this light, its terrifying because I see everything is playing right above Ciels palm.

Oh well, its convenient for me as I want to end this war quickly.

For Velda, I give you my condolences.

There was nothing to say other than he has a bad opponent.

Well now, how will he play his move next?

Well, the battle in various places has ended with our victory, but how do you think Velda will move next?

I dont think that he will give up in destroying the world, where will be his target next?

Thats, it will be the place where Guy, Miss Chloe, Veldora-samas sisters are fighting right?

When I ask him, Diablo answered so.

Yes, the same opinion as me.

Initially, my reason for neglecting the battle in that place is to lure out Velda.

Then, we also moved and waiting for Veldas arrival or so I thought at first.

Please wait. Currently, everything is advancing just as planned. As a result, I anticipated a change in enemys thought.

Velda has doubted masters annihilation and convinced that master is alive.

In other words, Veldas next plan is attacking this city.

Ciel stated her opinion.

I see, as expected he would feel suspicious.

Because even though I should have died, my subordinates are still playing an active part in this war.

If you thinking about this, even I will feel something is suspicious too. Oh well, it would be weird if you dont feel anything suspicious about it.

To predict that it would be like this As expected from Ciel-san.

Normally, if Im the one who came up with the idea and executing it, the differences would be like heaven and earth

Then, Velda is aiming at Tempest right?

Thats certain.

And, his aim is to lure out me who panicked?

Thats right. And perhaps, he will send his strongest forces including even anti-labyrinth.

Anti-Labyrinth ability?

That seems impossible.

That labyrinth is an invincible area, granted with absolute immortality by Ramiris.

As long as we fighting inside it, theres no way we will lose.

As for the method of capturing the labyrinth, theres no other way than to destroy the creator thats Ramiris.

No. If it spreads it roots in the labyrinth, its possible to rewrite the effect. In other words

Ah, thats right.

Hearing Ciels explanation, I understood.

Certainly, it may be possible to nullify the labyrinth with such method.

If that comes true, its likely that the final decisive battle will be done inside the labyrinth.

I immediately thought about the countermeasures, also I told Benimaru who returned to Tempest about it.

I want to believe that those present there, Ramiris included, will be able to deal with it later.

And then, I converse with Ciel.

Then, it would be impossible to lure out Velda, right?

Yes, I expected so. Conversely, you could say that we succeeded in confining him.

Exactly as Ciel said, it can be said that Velda shut himself inside the Sky Castle.

Up until now, the location of the Heaven Gate was unknown.

Or rather, due to the raging magic essences in that area, Magic Power Perceptioncant be activated smoothly.

For a long time ago until now, the Heaven Gate has been hidden.

However, with Dagruel who is the Gate protector defeated, the disorder of the magic essence was corrected.

What left is only the defense mechanism of the Gate itself

If it was before, if you aim at the gate, Velda would immediately guess your intention.

And then, before you break the power defending the gate, he would put some countermeasures.

But, right now.

Because of Veldoras great efforts, the gate has become exposed.

It would be too late for Velda when he realizes our intention as we quickly destroyed the gate and get the checkmate.

An eye for an eye.

As Velda is going to attack my city in order to lure me out, on the contrary, he would also get invaded.

Now that we have shaved off Veldas forces, we dont need to defend all of our bases.

Far from hoping for the destruction of the world, he better realize that it was a foolish idea to send his forces gradually to various place.

For the next turn, it would be an attack from our side.

I shall teach him that its a mistake if he thinks that it will be his turn forever.

Testarossa, Ultima, Carrerra

By calling my summons, I connected to the three Devil Lords withTelepathy.

Its a secret line made by going directly through Soul Corridor.

This is, Rimuru-sama! Youre safe after all

Testarossa answered filled with emotion.

I nodded and ordered those three.

You three, go destroy the Heaven Gate. Furthermore, conceal the fact that Im alive, oke?

Even though you said so, everyone is convinced that Rimuru-sama is alive

I have asked Benimaru about it, but oh well, just in case. Its not the time for me to appear yet, so dont say its an order from me. Even if you are asked by other people, its fine if you refuse and dont say my name.

Please rest assured in that case. Because its only Rimuru-sama who could order us!

Saying so, Testarossa and co laugh happily.

Come to think about it, those three are under my direct control.

Because they wont receive an order from other people, I guess Im thinking too much.

As for Benimaru, it was too late as he knows Im alive.

While I was thinking of such things to hide my own embarrassment, Testarossa and other seem to have finished their preparation.

And in order to execute my order to destroy the Heaven Gate, they began moving with glee.

Next, the remaining problem is

There are people who are fighting and causing unnecessary environmental destruction on the northern continent.

Well, its meaningless for Guy and the others to keep fighting. I think someone has to go and mediate between them.

At the moment I said so.

Oops, Dia

I have the important duty as Rimuru-samas guard. This place aside, oh Veldora-sama, please go and admonish your sisters!

The victor is Diablo

Veldora tried to push that role to Diablo but was brilliantly ignored.

It was his utter defeat.

Thus, it was decided that Veldora would go and arbitrate the quarrel between his sisters.

Veldoras expression was overflowing with sadness, but as he had taken a large amount magic essence from me, theres no need for me to feel any sympathy for him.

I want him to try his best.