“I've requested a meeting with you in order to issue a warning.”

“Yeah, the invasion? A Hero told me about it.”

“One of the Heroes? Were you close to them?”

“Nah, the guy tried to kill me. He could've, actually. He decided to tell me about it before leaving.”

“What do you know?”

Noah proceeded to spill the beans about what he knew about the coming invasion, based on his own investigation as well as what the Hero told him. Of course, he carefully chose his words to avoid spilling too much about his own newfound espionage prowess.

“I see…certainly, Hero Zenith does not seem unlikely to act in such a manner…”

“So his name’s Zenith?”

“Yes, were you not aware?”

“Yeah, the bastard didn't tell me.”

“...This might be upsetting news, but you must know that those familiar with Hero Zenith know him not to reveal his name to those he does not deem…worthy.”

“...fucking anime villain.”

“What?”

“Nothing, keep talking.”

“From what I understand, it seems that the Heroes seem to be disagreeable to you. You may not be aware of this, but of the nations bordering the Demonic Forest, Haldor is the only one the Heroes chose not to defend.”

“Huh?! Why?!”

Noah straightened his back and exclaimed. King Oberon answered after an exhale.

“We were not provided with a clear explanation as to their motives.”

Noah pressed his index and thumb fingers to his glabella and shut his eyes.

“These Heroes are…”

Noah cast his eyes back up to King Oberon.

“How useful have these Heroes actually been?”

“They have proven themselves to be immensely powerful, and they are only growing stronger day by day. Their latest and greatest feat was to strike down Demon Count Zorick, who lived in a cave under the Holy Runa Kingdom.”

This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

“Wait what? Caves under the Holy Runa Kingdom? Don't tell me, does the demonic cave system extend under the Holy Runa Kingdom? That's like begging to be invaded from the back lines!”

“To correct you, the demonic cave system actually extends to most major nations. However, this is no concern. The authority of Calysta, Goddess of Life, is that of protection and healing. In these two fields, Holy Magic reigns supreme and can never be trumped by anyone. The Saintess, who borrowed the holy barrier of the Goddess, has sealed off the entrances to all caves, ensuring that no demon can enter the major nations from the cave system.

Noah felt a sense of incongruence from his words, but dismissed it to ask a more prominent question on his mind.

“I see, that's fine I guess. I'm more curious to know whether any consequences came about as a result of Count Zorick being struck down.”

“Hmm…None that were too damaging, no.”

“Really? So he just was killed; all is well, reduced to a corpse?”

Noah arched an eyebrow questioningly.

“A corpse wasn't found, but otherwise, yes. As you say, ‘All is good’”

“A corpse wasn't found?!”

He blinked several times in rapid succession as he stared at King Oberon.

“And I’m guessing you’re going to say that this was because the body was utterly vaporized?”

“Indeed.”

“And who did the checking to confirm that the body was vaporized?”

“That would be the Heroes. No one else went into the cave afterwards.”

Noah covered his face with his palms and let out a groan.

‘I know this trope. The demon is definitely alive. For fucks sake, I knew I was right. These Heroes…they can't do shit right. No, maybe they just don't care? Ahhh, whatever. Same thing.’

“King Oberon…can we summon more Heroes?”

“The Heroes being disagreeable to you or having an off-putting personality does not warrant a new summoning. Even I have experienced their ire, but am still of this opinion. I’m afraid I can't allow y-”

"Bro, just tell me if it's possible.”

“...No. The larger scale of the second summoning meant that more mana escaped into the void. Mana concentration will take decades to recover.”

Noah just sighed in slight disappointment, having expected an answer along those lines.

“So, King Oberon, other than warning me about the invasion, anything else you wanted to tell me?”

“Nothing else of prominence.”

“Mm. I got stuff to ask though. The Heroes, tell me more about them.”

“That is not information I will willingly disclose. Especially to one that seems to oppose them.”

Noah allowed a short silence to pass, allowing a silent pressure to sink in, showing his disapproval of King Oberon's words.

“And you're telling me I can't force it out of you?”

The overwhelming aura erupted from Noah once again. King Oberon’s face paled, but he did not speak, even as the furniture began to swerve away from Noah and towards King Oberon. Noah spent a dozen seconds with his aura pouring out of him, a subtle threat as to what he was seemingly about to do to King Oberon. Yet, King Oberon sat steadfast, even though he began to severely perspire.

“Damn. You don't spill information when just threatened. I might have misjudged your character. Oh. Last thing. Do you know why the demons have suddenly decided to invade?”

Noah withdrew his aura, and the pressure on King Oberon instantly vanished. Slightly disheveled, he spoke.

“The actions of the demons have always been impossible to predict through the lens of conventional war strategy. Only the mana concentration that had been rising served as a vague indicator of an impending war.”

“Hm. Thanks.”

Noah then turned and began casually walking towards the window, speaking as he did.

“I’ve asked the questions I need to. Oh yeah, tell Tyril to move as he wishes. He can stay in Ebonreach or come to Haldor. Other than that, I’ll be in Haldor if you need me. Drop a letter if you there's anything.”

He kicked through the window glass, then jumped off. He was gone.

King Oberon felt like a natural disaster had just passed.