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77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQNuuhIloX
A giant mountain range stretched before us to either side of the continent. I have heard about it a lot, it is supposed to be a natural fortification to the Empire. Due to its massive size, any invaders coming from the demon's territory must take an arduous journy across it.
The carriages, which were filled with books and the weaker members from the dwarfs and elves, were towed by large demonic beings up a wide winding path. I was still trying to process all that happened.
Me? A human? How...
I did not have a lot of time to ponder over things, because our caravan shortly reached a thick forest. As we made our way across it a camp came into view, perfectly hidden from prying eyes.
They had a camp so close all this time?
When we came to halt, dwarfes and elves swarmed out of the camp to greet the ones which the army saved. Hugs and tears were exchanged as they rejoiced.
"Humans are evil." said the demon girl as she walked up to me.
"I was treated the same way as them, I know."
She looked a bit puzzled at my remark, but she let it drop.
"Come with me, we are going to see Moth-"
She slipped up again...
"..."
Without saying a word she turned on her heel and started walking toward the largest tent in the camp. As I walked in my gaze was caught by woman with long, jet black hair in a dark blue dress, decorated with black feathers. She looked to be in her 30s.
Lost in the pile of documents and papers scattered across her desk she didn't pay much attention to us at first.
"So, you are the strange boy?" came the sudden question.
Her voice was deep and alluring.
The demon girl standing beside me answered in my place. "He is. Also he opened the gates for me, without him I couldn't have invaded the city."
Is she defending me?
"Interesting. Say, have you ever wondered why you were treated differently?" said the Empress finally looking up at me. Her gaze was cold, yet her eyes were hiding something else.
"I was a slave, I haven't been treated any other way." I answered honestly.
"Slaves get two meals a day and sleep in makeshift beds."
Wh-what?
She continued. "Your constitution, which allowed you to survive this long was due to your blood. Demons are sturdy you know."
"I-I don't understand..."
I am one of the races, there is no way I could be a demon. Didn't the girl say I looked human? What is going on?!
"I have an offer for you. Since you look human there are ways I can enhance that. If you are willing to work with us I can give an answer to everything you are seeking."
I should become another tool?
The Empress cast another cold gaze at me, seemingly seeing through all my thoughts. Then she stood up and walked up to me.
"We demons do not only sense power in another, but the potential of one. I was the one who taught this to all of them. 5000 years was needed for me to unify the entire Demon Kingdom and at last I can cast my gaze onto the most evil beings alive."
"Humans." I answered for her.
"Correct. You, have a potential which I have never seen before. As the Empress of the demons, please help us."
The Empress bowed deep and respectfully. At that the demon girl couldn't compose herself anymore.
"Mother??!" she cried.
"He is our only hope. Our numbers are still little, with most of our forces on the move with the other 9 generals. The Empire has the guardians too, which pose a significant threat."
"But I can't even use magic. How could I be of such significance?" I asked, still puzzled.
"As I said, the potential is there for you to bring forth greatness."
Well, anything is better than going back.
After some thought, I gave in.
"Fine, I agree, but I want you to teach me personally."
"Hoo? You could have asked for anything still you went with this?"
She is different from everyone. I am sensitive to lies, but she said everything with such confidence and pride. There is also the fact that I can't feel anything from her. The girl next to me is different too, she has a mysterious aura around her.
"You are different from anything I have seen so far and I believe you."
"Very well. Then, let me introduce the girl standing so shocked next to you. She is Tenna the 10th general and my adopted daughter. I am Joou Ai the Empress of all demons."
I have no name to give...
"I see, you have no name. Slaves usually do not have one so don't work yourself up about it. Tenna, you are fond of giving names so how about you think one up."
"Huh? M-me?" she said surprised.
"I don't mind it, she saved me technically." I said.
"A-alright then." Tenna went silent for a few moments before seemingly lighting up as she got a name figured out. "How about Tousa?"
The Empress's eyes widened, but she remained silent.
"I like it, thank you Tenna." I said with a slight smile.
"Y-you are welcome."
Is she flustered?
The Empress clapped her hands, she was already sitting at her desk.
"Alright let us get started with a quick briefing. We have a lot to do and I have just the right idea for your training."
Why do I feel that idea is going to hurt....
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