The Strongest Dull Prince’s Secret Battle for the Throne

Arc 57: The Living and the Dead

Chapter 660: The Mastermind

"Once, demons were defeated by humanity. The reason was because a hero wielding the holy sword appeared. But that's not the only reason."

Inside a carriage, Wilhelm explained while sitting opposite Erik.

"The fundamental issue was that the demons underestimated humanity. They had too much complacency, a belief that they would always win, whether the humans united or whether a powerful hero emerged. And because of this complacency, the demons missed many opportunities."

"During the invasion five hundred years ago, the Demon King seldom appeared on the front lines."

"That's right. For Demon King Lucifer, the invasion of this continent was, in a way, just a pastime for him. Many demons followed simply because of the Demon King's command. It was a war without vision and few actually possessed the intention to conquer the continent for the resource-poor demon realm."

The demon realm is a barren world of desolate lands where demons fight each other and the strong devour the weak.

Numerous factions exist within there and the Demon King's faction was one of the leading ones.

Though they were not unified, the title of Demon King carried enough influence for him to be recognized.

Many demons followed him because he was powerful. That was the sole reason he became the Demon King and led the demons.

"The power struggles in the demon realm had somewhat settled and the Demon King was still looking for a fight. That's why he interfered with the summoning of magicians and created his own gate. It wasn't a coincidence; it was a planned invasion. However, nothing was thought through for after."

While speaking, Wilhelm stares intently at Erik who was sitting opposite him. Erik listens without changing his expression.

"You don't seem interested."

"It's interesting, but... it's a finished story."

"No, it's not over. Because 'I' am here."

With that Wilhelm gives a wry smile, one that Erik had often seen before, yet this time it unsettled him.

"A five-hundred-year-old vendetta... you have such a deep-seated resentment, 'Grand Strategist Dantalion.'"

Erik names the demon who was adopting Wilhelm's form, a survivor of the old Demon King's army and the only demon not annihilated by humans but by the Demon King himself.

"It's only natural I harbor resentment... After the Demon King's strike obliterated my body, leaving me only as a soul. Fragile to the extent that without a vessel, I could not survive. I've survived by switching vessels, and became a being that was less than a bug. I endured unimaginable humiliation and pain, wear and tear. It would have been easy for the Demon King to obliterate my soul completely. Yet, he deliberately left me as just a soul… It was likely another pastime for him."

Wilhelm laughed, but his eyes were not smiling. Five hundred years worth of grudges were swirling in his eyes.

"I was different from the Demon King since I acted for the sake of all demons. I believed the invasion of the continent was to distribute land to the demons of the demon realm. The demon realm is barren. It's a world of constant strife, producing practically nothing. Compared to that, this continent is like heaven. That's why I continued to offer my counsel, but the Demon King cared nothing for other demons. He was merely a strong being, not a true king."

"So you chose the path to become a king yourself."

"That's right. I took my time and slowly searched for a suitable vessel for myself, gathering those blessed by magic to form the Magic Consort, while blending in with humanity. From within the Magic Consort, I selected suitable magicians as potentia; new vessels, steadily accumulating power... and developed a technique to use the dead as my vessels and finally obtaining this body not to defeat humanity but to dominate them."

"..."

"Straus did well. He skillfully manipulated Asmodeus's forces. There was a secret pact between Asmodeus and me. I aided Asmodeus's advance on the continent in exchange for him following my plan and providing a diversion. But he likely didn't believe in my plan."

"If you reach the continent, you can win by sheer force. Asmodeus believed that too.

He couldn't lose.

He was the same as the Demon King at that point.

But there will always be an equal force against such power.

Especially for the humans of this continent, who are notoriously stubborn.

Even five hundred years ago, despite being driven to the brink of extinction, they united together and resisted the demons.

"Humanity isn't weak enough to be beaten by sheer force alone. The holy sword, of course, as well as the elites and adventurers of various countries, are all a threat."

"That's why you led them to the kingdom."

"That's right. At the Council of Wise Kings, each country would send its elites to the current single threat on the continent... Thus, all their forces would be concentrated in one place. Important figures of the continent will be gathering there so I had the advantage of choosing the location. And if I can choose the place, I can set up traps. The time and place are at my discretion, making it impossible for them to see through my traps."

Wilhelm then snapped his fingers with a sneer.

At that moment.

A vast barrier activated, centering on the distant royal capital of the kingdom.

It enveloped the exhausted allied forces.

A special barrier that distorts space and time.

The allied forces were isolated in another world.

That was Wilhelm's aim.

"With the efforts of the allied forces, the continent's threat was eliminated. However, now all important figures are missing. No emperor, no candidates for the throne and no Hero. Hence, I will easily be accepted as the Empire’s new King."

"Will it really go so smoothly? The allied forces will return soon."

"It will work. I'm different from the Demon King. I don't underestimate humanity. I'll have everything ready by the time they return."

A threat too great.

The allied forces that pooled their forces in order to counter it.

Creating this scenario in the royal capital was itself a trap.

The exhausted allied forces were finally contained.

For a while, there will be no further obstacles.

"I'll take control of the empire and proceed at my leisure. The imperial capital is convenient for opening 'the gate.'"

"Your confidence is good, but keep your promises, won't you?"

"Of course. I'll take care of Wepal."

The plague will continue as long as Wepal lives.

Thus, Erik chose to cooperate with the demon inhabiting Wilhelm's body.

It was the only option.

"Demons and humanity can coexist. Though demons will be the superior beings."

"Well it’s better than being destroyed."

While answering, Erik sighs inwardly.

He knew that such promises with demons were unreliable.

"Well then, let's proceed as planned."

With that, Wilhelm disembarked from the carriage.

Erik nodded in agreement, understanding that a grand farce was about to begin.

TL's Notes:

I'm officially back! And with that I will be translating the main story first aside from the side story like requested..... Hope you enjoy the final few arcs before the end!

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