[There are a few requirements to make the best undead.]

A hypothetical had become a certainty.

Joshuas eyes darkened as he walked. If what Lugia said was true, it would be possible to wield up to twelve superhumans like an extension of himself. Joshua didnt have the whole story, but it was intriguing nonetheless.

[First, the caster. You need to find a magician whos familiar with the death contractbut you dont need to worry about this part. Youre in luck. I, Lugia, can do that!]

[Second, a vessel for the soul to reside in. Thanks to that big ignorant brute burying the body like it actually means something, we shouldnt have a problem there. The best vessel is the souls original body,] Lugia triumphantly proclaimed.

[Magi as far as I can tell, youre fully capable of utilizing this demonic power. If Im correct, your strong affinity with magi will smooth out any problems.]

[Its been less than twenty-four hours since he died, and its a beautiful day This is the perfect time.]

Even if everything is taken care of, what are you able to do with just your will? Joshua interjected.

[Oh? Now youre interested. Youre actually pretty greedy, arent you?]

Its just a legend, but everyone knows that you cant form a Death Knights contract without the contractees permission.

[It wouldnt be a Death Knight if it was.]

What? Joshua twitched.

[Like you said, I cant make him a Death Knight through sheer force of will, even if I were the demon king. So why waste your time, right? You have to find a way around the problem. In this case, the solution isnt the next best, its the best.]

Joshua didnt reply, but Lugias words lingered in his mind.

[What Im trying to make is a Dullahan, a myth even in the demon realms: the Lord of Dullahans.]

Joshua blinked in surprise.

[Of course, therere a lot of requirements for making the legacy of the demon god, but]

Lugia continued to speak, and each revelation saw Joshuas eyes widening more and more.

Master? Cain gave Joshua a concerned look when he suddenly stopped walking. Almost everyone was already inside the gates; only Cain and Joshua, who were in the back, remained outside the castle.

You go ahead.

Sorry?

My king? Leo approached, his ears slightly red.

I need to go out.

Right now?

It may take some time.

Then I

Joshua shook his head. You two need to get to work immediately. For now, Cain?

I-Im listening!

Its not going to be easy, but the mission should be ready to depart at noon.

The mission? Cain blinked.

Were headed to Eiden Gorge. Well leave the bare minimum garrison and move as quickly as possible.

U-Umm

You intend to deal with Count Cox and the other traitors.

Icarus? Cain flinched when the sapphire-eyed tactician came up beside him.

If you dont dig up the roots, the weeds could spring up at any moment. We dont want that thorn in our foot.

Yeah?

There is a problem, though. Theres an extra way out of the basin right now.

I already sent someone there.

Someone? Ah! Icaruss eyes lit up.

I sent him to the Dennis River and told him to find them.

Who the hell is he? I dont think Ive heard his name yet

Thatll come later, Joshua murmured.

Whats the point? Icarus unconsciously clenched a fist in irritation.

Icaruss attention was drawn elsewhere, however, when Cain began nodding sagely.

Dont worry, master. If thats the case, then go ahead. I was worried youd leave me behind. Also, Ive decided that you cant leave without my permission. Im watching you for the next 24 hours, so dont try to trick me.

Whats going on? A sharp voice came from behind them.

Icarus and Cain both tossed a confused look over their shoulders.

Oh, um Iceline suddenly found herself at the center of attention and blushed.

She still didnt know what they were so excited about, but now everyone knew there was a woman under the cloak.

Master Cains expression just barely managed to avoid looking angry. Seriously, you have some problems

Playboy, Icarus spat.

For once, Cain and Icarus agreed on something.

Joshua sighed. Leo.

Yes, my king. Please, speak.

Joshua turned to face him and was immediately blindsided by the look of admiration in Leos eyes. It was worse than the look Leo gave him after he defeated the Mercenary King. Joshua coughed awkwardly and tried to ignore it.

You take the Wilhelm Knights back to Reinhardt.

Yes, yes. We will also assist, of course Leo blinked. You said Reinhardt, not Eiden Gorge?

Yeah.

But why?

Joshua turned to Icarus, who nodded.

Reinhardt is in danger.

Huh?

EHHH?

Leo and Cain were stupified.

Reinhardt is the symbol of peacebut then suddenly appeared in the middle of the Avalon Empire. How do you think people are going to react?

But that wasnt what it meant. We just

It doesnt matter what you think it means. People believe what they want to believe. This is Reinhardt were talking about. Its powerful, well defended, and the only neutral city on the continent. Icarus turned from Leo, who still looked confused, to Joshua. To be honest, I still dont get it. The Wilhelm Knights could only come here if His Majesty the Emperor allowed them to cross the border.

Theres not much to say. He let Marquis Crombell and the Mercenary King join forces, Cain murmured.

You dont understand the Emperor.

In English, please, miss.

Its plain as day: he wants to swallow up Reinhardt.

Really Cain shook his head. They called the Emperor mad for his warlike tendenciesit was no surprise he wanted to conquer Reinhardt.

Since our hero won the Master Battle, he must have decided that now is the best time to take Reinhardt. The whole continent will change depending on how our master here acts.

They were silent for a moment while that sank in.

Right now, not much is happening. But whatever you, master, decide will drastically alter the fate of the continent.

Cain shivered. It seemed like the whole world was made for his master. Would he have ever felt this way if he hadnt sworn himself to Joshua Sanders?

So. Icaruss eyes gleamed sharply in the moonlight. What will you do next?

Joshua was silent for a long moment.

I

The skies above the Black Forest were torn apart by a bestial roar as an enormous shadow tore through the canopy.

The Beast of Tripia directed its wrath at the ground.

Mighty man-eating ogres held their breaths, the nigh-unkillable trolls cowered in the shadows, and the orc hordes trembled.

A monster as large as a castle hovered over the dark trees. Its eyes were proud and golden, and its scales were black and impenetrable.

Overwhelming would be a hilarious understatement.

The dragon, the strongest creature in the world, roared.