Now, only one Demon Lord remained.

Valkyria looked around while avoiding the falling debris of the collapsing banquet hall.

Having already observed Stella's Holy Power spreading widely like a cage, Valkyria, who firmly held her spear, now loosened her grip.

In my opinion, out of the Demon Lords present, Valkyria was the one who most resembled a demon.

While the wings on her back resembled those of an angel, her skin color and eyes were reminiscent of the conventional image of demons known on Earth.

[We need to hurry.]

Stella whispered, informing me that wielding Holy Power beyond this point would be difficult for us.

It was clear that further delaying this matter would be problematic, so I looked at Valkyria—the Demon Lord of War.

Whether it was Magan, the Demon Lord of Gluttony, or Dune, the Demon Lord of Pride, each demon had a special territory related to their name.

Magan grew exponentially stronger through the banquet, while Dune's strength had amplified in a duel of pride.

As indicated by the title of 'War,' Valkyria was undoubtedly a demon associated with battle.

However, had there ever been a time when she thought about truly engaging in battle here?

All she did was enjoy her warm-up by fighting against Tyren, and fighting against me was just a momentary affair.

Yet, when she faced Stella, she did nothing but flee without resisting.

A one-sided violence resembling battle continued to repeatedly unfold, leaving Valkyria so powerless that her title, 'War,' seemed meaningless.

So, right now, it was a suspenseful moment as we wondered whether she would die embracing her pride as a Demon Lord like Dune, or reveal a different side.

"I surrender."

Clang!

With an expression distorted by shame and anger, she dropped her spear to the ground.

At the unexpected declaration, Stella and I momentarily locked eyes, confirming if we had indeed heard correctly.

It was a clean declaration of surrender, rendering the title ‘War’ purposeless. Valkyria folded her wings and descended.

Since Stella's flames blazed on the ground, Valkyria, who stood on the debris of the collapsed ceiling, kneeled without hesitation.

"I've lost. However, is killing me truly the path you wish to take for the future?"

Her audacious tone was truly beyond belief. However, Valkyria held her negotiation card to survive.

"If all of the Demon Lords of the Republic die now, what do you think will happen?"

"..."

"It’s true that the internal affairs were carried out by the crowned Magan alone, but the Clark Republic is a truly scrumptious land that was created by us four demons."

She implied that since the country was formed by incorporating the preferences of each Demon Lord, the Republic became a spot that would inevitably make other demons covet it.

"The moment all four of us Demon Lords disappear, other Demon Lords will certainly come to this land."

"And you think you can stop it from happening?"

"Yes! And not only that, I can also prevent the aftermath of this incident."

That was actually the part I was worried about the most.

Although unintentional, I had brought down the Republic by killing an essential pillar of the country, Magan.

Now, everything could end happily ever after!

Could I really say this?

Even if it was a thorn-covered ironclad rule, the law was still the law.

If it suddenly disappeared in an abnormal way, what remained was not a sense of achievement for gaining freedom, but only chaos.

Another Magan may emerge, or the country could even degenerate into something like a lawless area.

With external pressure pouring in, there was a real possibility that the Republic itself would fade.

It is the perfect situation to turn this place into prey for neighboring countries.

After being invited to the banquet, all the dignitaries from these countries were slaughtered.

Although Magan had planned to plant his spies in other countries using the cigarettes and insects, in reality, the plan had fallen apart, leaving only gruesome corpses behind.

It is already...

The Clark Republic was essentially finished.

With justification, there was a possibility of diplomatic pressure, and even these countries would also directly threaten to tear them apart in war.

"With me around, I can...!"

"Bullshit!"

A voice, which felt like a threat from a beast, came from beside me.

Carrying an axe on her shoulder, Findenai walked through the flames. She stared at Valkyria as she approached.

"Where the hell are you spouting nonsense from?"

"Findenai..."

What was a bit surprising was that Valkyria knew Findenai. Moreover, the tone in the Demon Lord’s voice didn't exude hostility, but rather welcome.

"You’ll take responsibility? In a country that's already completely finished like this, what can you possibly do?"

"..."

"In the end, you're just asking us to return inside the fence you created. With the same bullshit called great cause or justification for the future!"

Thud!

Hatred filled her red-blood eyes, and wrath was evident in her sharp fangs.

This was Findenai, the leader of the Scrapyard Nomads.

"It’s not only ridiculous but also absurd! Even if this is an unexpected outcome, I won't kick away the freedom that came seeking me just because I don't have the confidence to take responsibility."

As if testing her, Valkyria questioned Findenai.

"Can you withstand all the chaos and external pressures that will come after?"

“Hell yeah, you fucking bitch."

"..."

"Even amidst your damn persecution, we've managed to survive tenaciously. It'll be the same this time."

Findenai made it clear that she didn't plan to protect the country called the Clark Republic. Even if it was her homeland, she was someone far removed from patriotism.

It was about freeing those who had barely survived living on this land, like livestock, from their leash.

She hoped that others wouldn't experience the pain and harsh life she had endured.

Because Findenai solely wished for that, a resoluteness emanated from her.

[She hit the bullseye.]

"I see."

I acknowledged that I became briefly conflicted, and had hesitated because of Valkyria’s words. However, Findenai's speech managed to persuade me.

If anyone had the right to decide what to do with the freedom that had come to the Clark Republic, it naturally belonged to Findenai, the person who had fought passionately on the front lines for the longest time.

"Heh."

Looking at Findenai, Valkyria let out a bitter laugh.

Along with a burst of uncontrollable laughter, her eyes held deep remorse.

Seeing Valkyria act this way, Findenai readied her axe once more.

The flames made of Holy Power spread across the axe that had been stuck to the ground, creating a magnificent display.

"Let me finish this."

The final blow paving the way to Clark Republic’s freedom.

Stella and I humbly stepped back while Valkyria, who was still kneeling, looked up at Findenai.

"Findenai, you're a truly great woman."

"Huh?"

The words that came out of Valkyria's mouth were quite unexpected. It was the complete opposite of begging for her life.

Stella and I both knew that the cause of this change was Findenai's arrival.

"Do you know why we, the Demon Lords, established this Republic?"

"..."

"After a long war, we no longer wanted to fight. But our desires still remained."

I had heard of that story from Velica.

Long ago, there was a war among demons, and those who survived are now called Demon Lords.

This is a lore that was not even present in the game.

Since demons didn't play such a significant role in the game, I wasn't aware of such intricacies.

“To fulfill those desires, this land became a giant dining table for Gluttony.”

Magan, who turned countless humans into livestock, continued to feast on them.

"A stage for Worship to wear the mask of gods."

Considering how tragic the Clark Republic was, I also knew that many people called for the Gods.

Feyron, the Demon Lord of Worship, must have impersonated as many gods as the tails he had, feeding on the faith of the people of the Republic.

"A place where cold and tragedy mixed, making human pride even more fiery."

That was for the Demon Lord of Pride, Dune.

Amidst the conflict between the oppressive Extermination Units and the Resistance who were against the Republic, he truly enjoyed witnessing the pride held by many in their hearts.

And finally.

"I felt pleasure watching all of you fight for your lives."

"You fucking bitch."

The reason why Findenai bothered to listen to the demon's last words was because we thought Valkyria might reveal some necessary information.

However, Findenai was no longer able to hold herself back any longer. She spat out a curse and glanced towards me.

I nodded.

There was nothing more to listen to now.

The reasons why the Demon Lords created the Republic were endless trivialities.

Therefore, she raised her axe.

Even as the long and winding journey of her life was nearing its end, Valkyria solely looked at Findenai.

"Aaaaah, it’s truly so beautiful."

"..."

“Your life was a struggle. It was pure struggle itself, Findenai.”

"And I hated that."

"Of course you did; I understand because I've lived that life."

Valkyria had fought in countless battles to the extent that she earned the title 'Demon Lord of War.'

Unable to forget the stimulation and excitement it provided, she seemed like a drug addict who was hooked on the concept of war and struggle.

[You must have found vicarious satisfaction from watching Findenai.]

"You’re disgusting."

Seeing Findenai, who viewed life as nothing but struggle, Valkyria felt a sense of satisfaction.

Throughout the history of the Republic, how many Findenais had Valkyria encountered?

And if I hadn’t stopped Valkyria here, how many replacements would have been created just like her?

"You understand, right? Killing me means throwing yourself back into the endless war."

"It's no different from now."

"Hehe, it's a pity I won't get to see anyone’s life beyond yours."

Facing the axe coming towards her, Valkyria bid farewell.

"Congratulations on your liberation, and I wish you happiness throughout your prolonged war."

Crush!

Just like that, Valkyria's decapitated body was buried in Stella's flames.

In an instant, Valkyria turned into ashes and disappeared. Then, after confirming the deaths of the Demon Lords, Stella's Holy Power quickly concealed their presence.

Although the white flames had extinguished. The collapsed banquet hall was now bathed in light.

The sun had risen.

Suddenly, a thought crossed my mind that even in a place like the Clark Republic, the sun would still rise.

Although it was entirely natural, somehow, it felt strangely awkward.

"Huff."

As Findenai gazed at the sunrise heralding the new day for the Republic, she let out a heavy sigh filled with concern.

Nothing was over yet.

We had dealt with Magan, who was the central figure of this Republic, along with those who worked behind the scenes. But for a while, the Clark Republic would become almost like a lawless land.

To shoulder the responsibility of creating such a land, Findenai prepared to work even harder.

"Could you step aside for a moment?"

[Of course.]

Stella made distinct footsteps as she looked at Findenai's back.

Once Stella had made way kindly, the Dark Spiritualist, who had been harmed by her Holy Power, immediately approached her.

[I know you've been through a lot this time. Come here. I have something to say as your senior.]

[Fufu, so it’s you, Senior Dark Spiritualist.]

[Even after becoming ghosts, for Necromancers, we have rules, you know? First of all, that carefree laugh is prohibited.]

I wondered what pointless chatter this was, but for now, I pretended not to hear and stood next to Findenai.

She briefly turned her eyes to glance, and then continued to gaze at the landscape of the Republic.

Due to the banquet hall completely collapsing, there was an overwhelming sense of liberation. In fact, it was safe to say that we were now outside.

Beyond the horizon, the capital of the Republic, Clarkwork, was visible under the sunrise.

"I’d say it was quite a bloody neighborhood. But from up here, it looks quite beautiful, doesn't it?"

Though the hurried movements of the soldiers made them look quite fierce, I nodded in agreement with Findenai's sentiment.

"It's going to be quite a tough time, right?"

"Indeed."

It would be a difficult time.

The Demon Lords had escaped responsibility through death, and those left behind had to deal with the aftermath created by their disappearance.

"The Republic itself may disappear."

"That doesn’t sound like a bad thing."

With a brief chuckle, Findenai nodded, indicating she genuinely didn't care if such a country vanished from the world.

"This is quite a dramatic reunion. It's been a long time since I've seen you again."

"Indeed."

Come to think of it, after saving Findenai, I was immediately defeated by Magan.

I had realized that this was the first conversation I’ve had with Findenai since then.

"There was something I wanted to ask. But if I say it now, it'll only leave some regrets and attachments."

While still gazing at Clarkwork, Findenai squatted down and took out a cigarette to chew on.

Although she didn't light it out of consideration for me, I gently extended my fingers, and at the tip was a small flame.

"What's the occasion?"

"Just for today.”

Findenai lit up her cigarette immediately, inhaling as if savoring it. The long trail of smoke was swiftly swept away by the high-altitude wind and disappeared.

"You're not going to ask what I wanted to say to you?"

It was a somewhat sulky tone.

I hesitated for a moment before showing a faint smile.

"If it leaves regrets, then it is probably better not to ask."

"Damn, you’re fucking strict as hell."

Findenai puffed on the cigarette with pursed lips. Somehow, I felt her demeanor was both ridiculous and endearing.

"So, do not even bother asking."

"Yeah, I won't ask. I’ll just die out of curiosity."

"Instead, I will answer."

"...Huh?"

I slowly turned to face her. Findenai, who had been squatting, stood up as if bewitched by something.

I then embraced her.

This action was done very carefully.

"Ah..."

Confused about what was happening to her, Findenai exclaimed with the innocence of a pure maiden. She unintentionally dropped her cigarette to the floor.

She was truly adorable.

To a ridiculous extent.

"Perhaps I also have similar feelings to the ones you have."

Honestly speaking… I wasn't sure.

Compared to Deus' noble and pure feelings towards Illuania, this new emotion that emerged from my dull feelings felt truly feeble.

However, I could at least recognize that it belonged to the same category as the emotions he had made me feel.

Findenai froze, at a loss for words. Only the sound of the fierce wind broke our silence. However...

Rustle.

Acting like a child, she nestled into my embrace and whispered softly.

"Perhaps? Similar? You son of a bitch, are you going to say it so ambiguously?"

"...This is the best I can do right now."

"So, you’re scared, huh?"

Despite the reproach, Findenai's arms around my waist didn't loosen.

Therefore, I continued speaking.

"I will try my best to give you the answer you are looking for."

I was sure that moment would come someday. Unlike before, I could feel through her warmth that I, too, was a human capable of change.

"Do what you want. But since I have a bad memory, I might forget; let me tell you in advance."

Grip.

Findenai, who put more force into her grip, lowered her head even further to avoid showing her face. She made her declaration clear.

"I fucking love you, Master Bastard."