I Was Reborn in Another World, but Hold On – No Parents? Was I Abandoned? - Chapter 52

Chapter 52: Divine Citadel

Some time had passed since then in the Great Demon Kingdom…

At the peak of a mountain a little distance away from the Imperial Capital.

There stood the fortress constructed by Arus’s unique magic, the Bloodless Citadel.

This fortress had become the headquarters of the Azure Sky (formerly the Azure Sky Corps), now an organization distinct from the national army.

Within the fortress was a combat-free zone, surrounded by various facilities such as training grounds.

Rooms like Arus’s bedroom, reception room, and audience chamber existed inside, but Arus didn’t live there.

His residence remained in the Demon King’s castle, but Arus, capable of using teleportation magic, commuted between there and the fortress.

Known as the Divine Citadel due to Arus’s status as an apostle, it had already become well-known within the country.

The Divine Citadel, rivaling the Demon King’s castle in size, primarily served as living and standby quarters for Azure Sky members. Additionally, it was used for meetings within the Azure Sky and as a gathering place for gathering information from various countries around the world.

At the training grounds outside the Divine Citadel, combat training was currently underway.

Engaged in combat were Gaizef and Beldor.

As a result of their training and studies in the Demon Kingdom, Gaizef and his comrades had become significantly stronger, to the point where they no longer seemed like human soldiers.

However, the same was true for Beldor and his comrades.

Having further developed their innate talents as demons through training and studies, they had risen to become formidable individuals within the Great Demon Kingdom.

Among the ranks of the Azure Sky, boasting a legion-sized number of members, former human soldiers had increased their combat abilities to the point where they could compete with higher-ranking demons after five years. Moreover, being former human soldiers, they were adept at leadership, a skill that demons typically lacked. Recognized by the demons and having grown to the point where they were now commanders of their own units, they owed their growth not only to their status as members of the Azure Sky under the direct command of the Crown Prince but also to their own efforts.

However, the same could be said for the former Revolutionary Army over the past few months.

Originally, there were five individuals overflowing with talent, as Arus desired.

And above all, their potential as demons.

The five individuals who had begun to cultivate their demonic potential here were already active as executives within the Azure Sky.

Current Azure Sky Organizational Chart:

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Azure Sky Organizational Chart

Azure Sky Leader: Lorna
Azure Sky Commander: Varon
Azure Sky Deputy Commander: Kaito
First Squad Leader: Leonardo
First Squad Members: 30,000
Second Squad Leader: Gaizef
Second Squad Members: 30,000
Third Squad Leader: Joseph
Third Squad Members: 20,000
Sniper Squad Leader: El
Sniper Squad Members: 5,000
Stealth Squad Leader: Crow
Stealth Squad Members: Unknown
Battle Demon Corps Chief: Loki
Battle Demon Corps Deputy: Lona
Battle Demon Corps Third Seat: Beldor
Battle Demon Corps Fourth Seat: Zen
Battle Demon Corps Fifth Seat: Sutea
Battle Demon Corps Members: 10,000

ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー

By the way, I haven’t been informed about the Stealth Squad organized by Varon, and I don’t know anything about the squad leader, Crow, either. But if Varon and Lorna judged it, then there’s no doubt.

The battle between Gaizef and Beldor was quite impressive, but in the end, Gaizef’s axe and Beldor’s sword stopped at each other’s necks, resulting in a draw.

“Gaizef, you’ve gotten stronger again… as has Beldor.”

“To protect Your Highness, who boasts one of the highest combat powers in the world, we must become even stronger.”

“I, too, will become stronger to face formidable foes, Your Highness.”

“Our Azure Sky will remain secure in the future.”

With those words, I smiled at the two of them, who now had resolute expressions.

They’ve started to look good without me noticing.

“We’re having a party here tonight. Make sure you both show up, okay?”

“Oh, a party tonight? Will there be good meat?”

“A party!! Count me in!”

“We’ll have plenty of good meat, and of course, good booze too! Look forward to it.”

“As expected of Your Highness… you know what’s good.”

“Looking forward to it! Good booze, huh!”

As night fell, the atmosphere within the Divine Citadel turned festive.

Tonight, a party hosted by the Crown Prince himself was about to begin.

The reason for the delay was the news of the Crown Prince’s ascension to the next Demon Emperor, which spread both domestically and internationally. Additionally, there was anticipation for the future development of the Azure Sky, and another reason was the Crown Prince’s joy at being able to attend the academy. Arus believed the latter reason was the most significant.

“The academy… I’m looking forward to it.”

Using Arus’s spatial magic, the party room in the Divine Citadel could change its size at will. Currently, it accommodated several thousand idle troops and various officers.

“Your Highness! Once again, congratulations on becoming the Crown Prince.”

First to approach was Lorna.

“You’ve changed the most over these five years, Lorna.”

“Have I really changed that much?”

“Yeah. You used to be a fool.”

“What!? That’s quite rude, Your Highness…”

“I thought you were just a clumsy airhead.”

“…Please stop. I might cry.”

“But now, you’re my reliable right hand. Count on you from now on too.”

“Are you using the technique of lowering and then raising my spirits? …Yes, of course, I’ll continue to support you with all my might, Your Highness!”

With those final words, Lorna, no longer the clumsy squad leader, now wore the face of the leader of the Azure Sky.

It’s heartwarming to see the growth of my subordinates.

“Your Highness… Congratulations on this occasion. Please allow us to continue supporting you as your main subordinates as you further soar.”

Next came Varon.

Currently serving as the commander of the corps, he was also the one who faced the most challenges.

“You’ve always been a troublemaker… Varon. Counting on you in the future as well,” Arus said.

“Hah!! We, the Azure Sky, exist for Your Highness’s…”

“Your Highness… We’ve been through a lot over these years,” Kaito spoke next.

“Since the war in the Southern Continent, Kaito, you’ve been through a lot…”

“Not at all. I, who couldn’t even become an officer in the kingdom, am now entrusted with the significant role of assistant corps commander directly under the Crown Prince in the Great Demon Empire. It’s more rewarding than troublesome,” Kaito replied.

“I’m grateful to hear that. Everyone has adapted to the demon nation so quickly, which has been a great help. Counting on you in the future as well,” Arus said.

“Of course. I will continue to dedicate my life to Your Highness,” Kaito pledged.

Then, Leonardo, Gaizen, Joseph, El, Loki, Lorna, Beldor, Zen, and Sutea came forward, one after another, to offer their greetings.

It’s reassuring to have such dependable subordinates now… Arus thought.

“Big brother!!! This meat… it’s amazing!! So tender and delicious!!!” exclaimed Loki and Lorna, impressed by the party’s food.

“Mm… delicious!! This is really good,” added Lorna, with tears in her eyes, expressing the hardships they had endured until now.

“This is amazing!!! As expected of Your Highness!! This is incredibly delicious,” Gaizen exclaimed.

“The wine here is great too, Gaizen… Here, have some!!” Beldor offered.

“Yeah… thanks. It’s… really good,” Gaizen replied, enjoying the food and wine with Beldor, with whom he had become close.

Varon, Kaito, and Zen, belonging to the intellectual group, were discussing work while having their meal.

“Lorna is chatting and drinking with Sutea, and El is indulging in cake while gazing at his beloved sniper magic gun,” Arus observed.

“Joseph… hm… seems like he’s not here. Ah, there he is, drinking alone. He looks… rugged and cool,” he noted.

Meanwhile, the other troops gathered in groups, enjoying meals and exchanging drinks, creating a lively atmosphere in the party venue.

Feeling the need for some fresh air, Arus stepped out into the courtyard from the bustling hall.

Despite being busy lately, Maria and the others are still missing.

Sitting on a bench, Arus gazed at the central pond.

Someone was sitting by the pond’s edge.

Curious, he approached quietly.

There, a girl was feeding the fish in the pond.

“Aren’t you joining the party?” Arus asked.

“Eh!? Oh, Your Highness!!” startled by the sudden voice, the girl, upon closer inspection, appeared to be of the same age and a demon.

“Does Sena like fish?” Arus inquired.

“W-What… you remember my name? Oh, um, yes, I do like fish,” Sena replied.

“I have a unique skill that allows me to see detailed information about others… Is this the first time we’ve met?” Arus continued.

“I-I’ve heard about it! It’s true! As expected of Your Highness… Um, yes, it’s my first time meeting you. Uh, I’m Sena, belonging to the sniper squad… I’ve been entrusted with the position of squad leader,” Sena introduced herself.

“Well, well, thank you for introducing yourself so politely. You’re from El’s unit, right? How’s it going? Is it tough?” Arus inquired.

“Um… the captain and the others are kind, and everyone is friendly, so it’s very easy to work with them!… But,” Sena hesitated.

“But?” Arus prompted.

“Everyone here is so amazing… I feel like I haven’t accomplished anything lately, and it’s been bothering me. Oh, I’m sorry… for burdening you with such talk, Your Highness,” Sena expressed her concerns.

“No, it’s okay. So… Sena, you’ve been troubled lately, huh? But that’s not true, you know? El may seem laid-back, but he has an incredible insight. If he appointed you as a squad leader, then you must have talent, right? Accepting the evaluations from those around you is also a part of growth, I think,” Arus reassured her.

“Well… um… does Your Highness ever have worries?” Sena asked earnestly, causing Arus to chuckle slightly at her serious expression.

“Do I seem like I don’t have worries?” Arus replied.

“Yes… Everyone says that Your Highness is amazing. You effortlessly withstand the serious blows from General Gazef of the Imperial Army, can send opponents flying with just a punch, wield almost all high-level magic, split the earth with your magic, teleport across various locations, summon fortresses in an instant, restore enemies you’ve split in half to their original state, and even revive the dead… You’re hailed as the Apostle of the Creator God. Not only that, you’re incredibly intelligent, well-versed in all fields of study, yet tirelessly continue to learn even more…,” Sena listed Arus’s remarkable feats.

“That’s quite the praise… But well, you know, even someone like me has plenty of worries. The future of the demon nation, the world’s situation, my friends, my subordinates… There’s no end to the worries. But even with all that, I still smile brightly,” Arus explained.

“But why… why can you still smile so brightly, despite everything? Your Highness’s surroundings are always filled with smiles,” Sena inquired.

“I’ve experienced the deaths of many comrades in war. For their sake, I was taught by my subordinates to keep looking forward. So, no matter what happens, I’ve decided to keep smiling and moving forward. After all, today could be the tomorrow someone else wished for… Right?” Arus shared his philosophy.

“Yes… I’ll also… keep looking forward,” Sena agreed.

“If you ever have worries again, feel free to come talk to me,” Arus offered.

“Thank you… Your Highness,” Sena replied gratefully.

As Sena returned to the party venue, she seemed to radiate a slightly brighter aura, as if she had resolved to face forward.