I Obtained the Final Boss' Power

Liberation (1)

The day after the banquet ended.

Before returning to the 7th Legion, the special task force had a few things to discuss.

The topic was whether they really needed to remain under the 7th Legion's command.

"What do you all think about the recent events?"

Louis asked everyone at the table about the incidents that had occurred lately.

It was none other than what happened recently at the elves' village, an event that would serve as a major turning point not only for the continent but also for the special task force.

"In any case, the Imperial Court gained a huge advantage from this. They managed to make that troublesome Holy Nation kneel."

Silia was the first to speak.

The Holy Nation, renowned for its power comparable to the Imperial Court, had its weakness thoroughly seized in this incident.

"Hahaha! Now the Holy Nation can't rashly demand anything from the Imperial Court anymore. On the contrary, they'll probably comply with whatever we ask."

This time, Kelian spoke, laughing.

As he said, the Imperial Court had found the means to silence the Holy Nation through this incident.

The balance that had once been equal between the two countries had completely collapsed.

"Isn't that right? We're holding the power now, and they're the ones at our mercy. We totally hit the jackpot, didn't we?"

Pram also spoke with a delighted expression.

Having narrowly avoided catastrophe at the hands of the Holy Nation herself, Pram couldn't help but laugh at seeing them in a bad situation.

"And we all know whose credit this is, right?"

Then Rio cautiously asked. With that, everyone in the group began to look at Louis.

"That's right. It's all thanks to the young master."

The word had spread that the special task force had uncovered the Holy Nation's weakness.

But the one who achieved it alone was Louis. Without him, this feat would have been impossible.

"What did I really do? Honestly, the ones who suffered the most there were you and the others."

They had all been through a great deal of hardship. The people imprisoned in the elves' village went without saying.

After barely surviving hellish conditions, they were rescued by the special task force and have now returned to the Imperial Court.

And even the task force members went through a lot.

When the World Tree collapsed and Louis went on a rampage, who was it that stopped him?

More precisely, who bought time for him?

"You almost died. Because of me."

"That doesn't matter. Thanks to you, I became even stronger. Thank you, young master!"

"Alright, alright, calm down."

Louis, as if embarrassed, waved his hand at Rio.

Then, the Emperor, the highest figure in the Imperial Court, spoke.

"As she said, Rio Seifert. If it weren't for you, we never would have obtained the records containing their weaknesses. As Emperor, I sincerely thank you."

When the Emperor bowed his head before Louis, the courtiers and knights around them were stunned.

But given who he was facing, they could not raise any objections to the Emperor's decision.

The special task force, renowned as the Imperial Court's strongest group.

Rumor had it that if that boy—said to be the strongest among them—went on a rampage, not only the Imperial Court but the entire empire could be wiped out.

It was practically as if that boy was watching out for His Majesty. It was truly fortunate they hadn't become enemies.

"More importantly, by subduing the Holy Nation, one major restriction on your special task force has now been removed."

"What do you mean?"

Pram and Rio were genuinely curious, but the others quietly nodded as if they understood.

"Do you know why you've been with the 7th Legion up until now?"

"Well... because we use dangerous powers?"

"Because I'm the Demon King?"

"Exactly. It was to prevent anyone from discovering your use of such dangerous powers."

There was no better place than the 7th Legion to conceal such powers.

The world was full of groups who abhorred such evil forces.

Getting caught by one of those dark magic groups would have been disastrous.

"And who was it that you absolutely couldn't be discovered by?"

There are many groups that pursue holiness and justice. But at their center stood only one true power.

"The Holy Nation."

"That's correct. The main reason you've been kept in the 7th Legion was because of the Holy Nation. It may sound like an excuse, but I hope you can understand that we put you in such a hellish place because of them."

The Emperor once again apologized to the special task force.

He carried a heavy burden for having assigned them to the 7th Legion just to avoid the Holy Nation's watchful eyes, even if it couldn't be helped.

At least he managed to shield the task force from the harmful effects of the spell. That was the most the Emperor could do for them.

"But now the Holy Nation can't do anything to us, right?"

"That's why I'm asking you all now."

The Holy Nation, which had always kept a strict watch over the special task force, had gone silent.

Realizing what this meant, Pram and Rio quickly understood.

"Congratulations on your complete freedom, special task force."

Now, there was no one left who could oppress the task force.

With the Holy Nation silenced, not even the Imperial Court could interfere with their future.

"If there's anything you want, just say so. We can even remove you from the 7th Legion right away."

"Is that really true?!"

Pram was the most excited by these words.

She had always made a fuss about hating the 7th Legion, so her eyes widened in disbelief.

"Of course. If you want, I can even make you a noble in an instant."

"Ahh..."

Pram looked entranced.

It was an offer she'd always dreamed of, longing for her earlier, peaceful life. Such a generous proposal likely would not come again.

"Uh, young master, what do you think?"

After giving up her position as Saint, such luck had finally come her way.

With sparkling eyes, Pram looked at Louis. Having long pondered it, Louis opened his mouth.

"I could never really understand it, to be honest. Why we had to stay with the 7th Legion even after having saved His Majesty."

Of course, the reason itself was clear.

Louis, with a broader perspective on this world, understood it faster than others.

"It feels strange to only now regain our rights, but if there are benefits, I'll gladly accept them."

As he said this, the Emperor bowed his head once more and spoke.

"Thank you so much."

How much they must have endured being assigned to the 7th Legion. The Emperor had always worried about that.

Though his concern was now alleviated, in the end, they had solved the problem themselves.

The Emperor had done nothing for them—at least, nothing tangible.

Louis Seifert. The Emperor was simply reaping the rewards that boy had achieved. Even if Louis surpassed human common sense, as royalty, this was a blow to his pride.

But no matter what he did for that boy, it wouldn't count as a merit for the Imperial Court.

Ultimately, that boy achieved his own merit. It was indeed a difficult situation.

"There's no need for you to be so tense. I'm not hoping for much. If you can just let Pram live peacefully as she wishes, that would be enough."

"I see."

"And I'd be grateful if you could send more people to Seifert Village, which is currently being rebuilt. The population has increased recently."

The children from the elves' village had been accepted as residents.

Moreover, more people had been coming after hearing rumors.

"If that's what you wish for, of course, I'll gladly do it."

"Oh, and one more thing."

Louis pointed at the spell drawn on Silia's arm as he spoke.

"Please have this spell thoroughly researched as well. I've received information that recently, a demonkin has appeared who can break it."

"About that... Don't tell me."

The Emperor had been in the carriage at the time and knew about it.

When they were returning from the elves' village to the capital, they were ambushed by deserter soldiers.

Shockingly, the spell hadn't worked on them—just like Louis.

"I was surprised that there's now someone besides me immune to the spell. Maybe the World Tree's problem is the cause."

"All right. Is there anything else you want?"

The Emperor then asked the other members of the special task force, aside from Louis.

The members began to take turns stating their requests.

****

"You heard, right? It's a direct order from the Imperial Court."

Victor said while monitoring the fortress from the 7th Legion's headquarters.

On his hand sat a glittering spirit sent from the Imperial Court.

Upon receiving the letter from the spirit, they too came to know of the special task force's fate.

"So what? Does that mean we don't have to stay here anymore? We can live wherever we want now?"

"That's right. The Imperial Court is summoning us for that reason."

When Simon asked in a hopeful voice, Victor replied honestly.

There was no longer a need to remain in the 7th Legion. That fact alone was cause for great excitement.

"I knew it. So they really devoured the Holy Nation."

"I'm telling you! The young master has absorbed all of their secrets!"

As Rozen muttered, the Holy Nation was now no longer able to interfere with the Imperial Court.

There was no more reason to remain trapped here.

"It's finally farewell to those guys."

Rozen spoke as he looked out over the scenery beyond the fortress.

The demon realm spread out before them, where eerily shaped monsters prowled.

Four years ago, those creatures had been terrifying, but now they were nothing more than pets.

At their feet, countless chests held trophies made from the corpses of those monsters.

"Four years. Such a long, long time."

"So, should we leave right now?"

"Shouldn't we at least say goodbye to the commander before we go?"

"Of course!"

That matter had already been relayed to Paulo, the legion commander.

When the three entered his office, Paulo praised them for all their hard work.

They owed Paulo quite a lot.

If not for the training he had given them, they never would have survived in this place.

Meeting an expert like Paulo had been their good fortune.

"Take care."

Paulo saw them off with a warm smile as they left the fortress. As he bid them farewell, the three got into a carriage.

Thus, they completely parted ways with the 7th Legion and set off for the capital.

"Goodbye, 7th Legion. It was dangerous at times, but I want to thank you for everything."

"Thank you for helping me grow out of my cowardice!"

"Bye-bye~"

The three waved at the receding fortress. Though they'd faced death there more than once, the ordeal had instead made them stronger.

Though it was the object of much hatred, they couldn't truly hate it.

Sometimes, even the bad things played an important role—they understood that now.

"But will it be all right?"

"What do you mean?"

"We were basically the best unit in the 7th Legion. Won't things get chaotic if we leave?"

Monsters had lately increased, leaving the 7th Legion desperately shorthanded.

News that the special task force was withdrawing would soon spread.

When soldiers and officers heard, there was no telling how they'd react.

"Don't worry. His Majesty wouldn't pull us out without a plan."

"There's a replacement! Teams to take our place."

"Now that you mention it—true! Hahahaha!"

The special task force had become an indispensable part of the 7th Legion.

No one could have imagined there'd be a unit to replace them—yet such an unimaginable unit had just arrived at Legion Headquarters.

"Welcome. Is this your first time in the demon realm?"

Paulo greeted someone entering his office with a gentle smile.

"I am Paulo, commander of the 7th Legion. And you are?"

As Paulo offered a handshake, the other took it and answered.

"I am Bellain, the chosen Hero of the Holy Nation..."

"Bellain? Ohhh, I've heard the rumors. You're the Hero who was at the elves' village, right?"

"...."

Had the news already spread so far? Bellain's face stiffened and he kept silent.

"Well, let's do our best together."

"Yes..."

Bellain, left with no options, accepted the greeting and felt a sense of frustration.

Why had someone from the Holy Nation ended up dealing with the Imperial Court's dirty work?

And here, of all places, in the demon realm.