A Demonic Covenant Reforged in the Ashes

Forest and Sunset

Sometimes, a speech doesn’t need to be a long-winded script. In fact, Satanleaf’s heartfelt, sincere speech turned out to be far more effective than expected.

Whether or not monsters truly needed an inspiring speech before battle was uncertain, and whether or not they would mutiny was also unclear. However, one thing was undeniable—right now, whether it was the Headless Knights, the Black Knights, or the other monsters, they all carried a complex and unspoken emotion in their hearts.

Perhaps it was anger toward the betrayers. Or perhaps it was the recognition of their crimson dragon lord, Satanleaf.

Now, the marching monsters surged forward with unyielding determination—like arrows released from a bowstring, or spears aimed at piercing the throats of the traitors.

"Satanleaf, your speech was very effective," Ira said softly. He knew that Satanleaf hadn’t spoken with the intent of being "effective" or "ineffective," so he added, "Even if those words had come from an experienced imperial general who had led countless battles, I wouldn’t have found it strange."

"So… does that mean I did well?"

Satanleaf asked, her cheeks flushed red. She flew alongside Ira, leading the army from the skies above.

In the forest, the Headless Knights couldn’t move at full speed, allowing Satanleaf and Ira to fly ahead with ease.

Of course, even if the Headless Knights left the forest and entered the plains, they still wouldn’t be able to match the speed of the Crimson Dragon. After all, the Crimson Dragons were among the highest-ranking species—worthy of claiming the title of Demon King in the material plane.

"You did great," Ira praised. He had come to understand that, rather than giving vague compliments that could be mistaken for mere politeness, a straightforward expression of praise was much more effective—at least for a girl.

For a ruler, however, it was a different matter.

But the empire's rulers were one thing, and the rulers of the Demon King's domain were another. Here, the Demon King could also be a young girl—before being a monarch, she was still a person.

"Did you see it? Everyone is moving forward with passion. I like to call it anger."

Ira mused as he reached out and gently patted Satanleaf’s head. Seeing her puzzled expression, he continued, "Anger gives strength—sometimes for good, sometimes for ill. But it is never to be wasted, for it shatters the stillness of stagnant waters."

"Like delicious food?"

Satanleaf recalled something Ira had said before: ‘Only good food and the fire in one’s heart should never be wasted.’

She looked down at the marching army below and murmured, "Everyone… really does seem more energetic now."

"Even Mr. Black and Miss Lothia… Everyone looks ready to charge forward."

Ira chuckled and nodded. Satanleaf might not fully understand the significance of her words, but he did. He asked, "Do you know why everyone is so full of energy?"

"Because they want to purge the traitors for the Demon King’s domain?"

"More or less."

Ira answered as he gazed at the forest path. With a surge of fiery magic, he instantly widened the narrow road. Trees, bushes, and creatures alike were reduced to ashes in an instant.

He had said "more or less," which meant there was still a difference.

"It’s because you are the Demon King. When you spoke those words, they could no longer find any reason not to be angry."

Ira said, watching the army march forward, stepping over the still-smoldering ground.

"They all recognize you. They feel your unwillingness, your rage. And so, they bury that emotion deep inside, letting it ignite—for you."

Satanleaf had no doubts about Ira’s words. She blinked lightly, her tail swaying happily behind her. "Yes… Everyone is really kind. I feel so lucky to have met them."

A ruler should not have spoken such words, but from Satanleaf’s lips, they sounded perfectly natural.

—

Greel Forest was a vast woodland stretching across the southern part of the Demon King's domain, serving as a natural barrier that separated it from the other monster territories.

If the empire or any other nation sought to invade the heart of the monster-controlled lands, they had two options:

They could either conquer the borderlands, then somehow find a way through the dense forest, or they could attack from the northern coastline by sea.

But even in its decline, the Demon King’s domain had never lacked naval strength. With its formidable siren fleets, no foreign nation could easily breach its waters.

…Though, that strength had been compromised now that the sirens had betrayed them.

The road they traveled now was once the main route used by the Demon King's forces to reinforce the front lines or other territories. But due to years of disuse, nature had slowly reclaimed it, turning a once-wide road into a narrow path.

Ira himself had once drifted along the great river that flowed west to east, entering its southeastern tributaries, and passed through this very forest before being intercepted near the Demon King’s castle.

Thinking back on it, it was almost as if he had been a valuable piece of cargo…

—

Greel Forest was vast, and at their current pace, they had estimated that they wouldn’t emerge from it until early morning. However, with Ira clearing the way, they might cross it before nightfall, allowing them to set up camp in the open plains.

Surprisingly, the ones slowing down their march were actually the Headless Knights.

No matter how seamlessly their warhorses responded to their commands, four legs simply couldn’t navigate narrow forest paths as swiftly as those who were used to the terrain—such as the tireless Black Knights and the insectoid hunters.

Not to mention, those who could fly, like Ira, Satanleaf, and the harpies, had no such obstacles at all.

A significant number of the insectoid warriors accompanying them were hunters, meaning they too could take flight—though not for extended periods.

As they chatted along their flight path, the sky gradually deepened into hues of orange and crimson. And at that moment, leading at the very front, Ira and Satanleaf finally saw a sight distinct from the dim, shadowed forest.

The trees ahead grew sparse, and the brilliant red hues of the setting sun filtered through the branches, illuminating the darkened woodland in a warm, fiery glow.

Breaking through the forest’s edge, they were met with the breathtaking sight of the sunset-painted plains stretching before them.

"The darkness is behind us now, Satanleaf," Ira murmured softly.

"Mm."

Satanleaf nodded.