Chapter 15

Chapter 15
## Chapter 15: The Strategy for Utilizing a Dwarf

The journey of a Hero was never solely about the final trek toward the Demon King’s Tower for a conclusive battle.

They clashed with the beasts and dark subordinates sent forth by the Great Enemy.

They dismantled the webs of deception spun by the Demon King.

As they traveled, they purged the lands of creatures terrorizing the peasantry.

They also eradicated bandit camps to ensure the safety of the roads.

Each of these accomplishments served to inflate the Hero’s reputation directly.

Furthermore, these deeds were lucrative. The remains of monsters, the essence of demons, and the stolen riches recovered from outlaws all carried a high price tag. It was only logical that sellswords hunting for both prestige and coin would flock to the cause. Businessmen followed in their wake.

However, all of that was merely the opening act.

the ultimate objective remained the Demon King’s Tower. Those dark lords, often lacking an understanding of human economics, frequently hoarded unimaginable wealth within their vaults. It was a treasure trove that every adventurer fantasized about plundering.

Consequently, in the land of Aren, a Hero’s campaign was essentially a massive commercial enterprise.

The more legendary the Hero leading the way, the better the odds of a payout—and the more investors and predatory opportunists would swarm the recruitment.

The reputation of Hillun Kagil, the legendary figure who had ended the Lust Demon King, was a gold standard in itself.

A multitude of trading houses vied for the chance to provide funding.

An even greater number of mercenaries arrived, weapons sharpened and ready.

“I bid you welcome.”

“My name is Granada, leader of the Red Hawk Mercenary Corps.”

“We are honored by your presence. Together, we shall strike down the Demon King and see justice restored.”

During that recruitment phase, Granada and his Red Hawk Mercenary Corps blended into the mass of applicants. This was their inaugural encounter with Hillun, who made it a point to greet the newcomers individually.

Upon meeting him, Granada’s internal assessment was that Hillun seemed like a “truly decent man.”

He maintained a constant, friendly expression and treated everyone with impeccable politeness.

The gathered sellswords already exceeded a hundred. The men of the Red Hawks were stunned by the sheer size of the assembly.

“We haven’t even reached fifty percent of our projected numbers, and it’s already this packed. I can’t imagine the scale once the roster is full.”

“The boss was right—getting here early was the winning play!”

“You heard the man. Stop the chatter and get in formation.”

A personal lieutenant of the Hero directed them toward their designated camp, and the soldiers of fortune began setting up their gear.

It was in that moment that the communication orb tucked into Granada’s pocket began to vibrate. The tower was initiating contact.

“Everyone, clear out for a moment.”

“What? I was just about to get some sleep.”

“I said get out.”

The mercenaries muttered complaints as they threw their coats back on and exited the tent.

“Bloody hell. They say ‘a rolling stone stays clean,’ but this guy is throwing out the ones that are already settled. He really enjoys playing the commander.”

“Isn’t the Captain annoyed?”

“If we survive a year of this, we’ll be swimming in gold. Why would I be annoyed?”

“Good point. Gold is the best medicine for a bad mood.”

“Besides, there’s a chance we’ll walk away with extra spoils from this raid too.”

Granada had originally planned to keep a low profile while hiding their identities, but after proving himself as a top-tier combatant, he had immediately challenged Bark to a test of strength.

* I have no interest in taking orders from someone I can beat.
* It’s only for twelve months. During that time, you’ll address me as Captain. If you object, prove your point with a blade.

As expected, his men had been outraged, leading to a brawl.

The result was a total loss. Not just in a duel, but even when twenty of them swarmed him simultaneously, they were completely overpowered.

While some of the crew regretted the contract, the salary was simply too high to walk away from.

‘One year. Just one year of this and we can retire wealthy.’

‘Look, the man is a monster; that just means we’re more likely to come back alive, right?’

That mindset had carried them this far.

However, Bark’s attention wasn’t solely on Granada.

‘The actual employer who hired Granada… that man is even more formidable.’

He was wealthy and possessed terrifying authority. Crossing someone of that caliber suggested consequences too grim to contemplate.

‘Finish this contract perfectly, then sever all ties.’

Granada’s intuition told him that getting deeper into this web was a mistake. His gut was screaming a warning.

—

Meanwhile, once he was alone, Granada activated the link. Gordon’s image flickered into view.

“…Is this for real?”

『It is. The Demon King has issued orders for you to provide the Hero’s expedition with every bit of assistance you can muster. Do your best.』

“You mean truly help them? No hidden sabotage?”

『None. Stop pestering me with questions; it’s tiring.』

The signal cut out instantly. Granada’s brow twitched in confusion.

“That absolute lunatic…”

The orb vibrated a second time.

“What now? You already gave the order.”

『You’ve grown quite bold with your tongue.』

“Guh…! M-my apologies.”

Granada immediately shut his mouth. He had expected Gordon again, but the Demon King himself had appeared.

『I am informed you have successfully integrated with the Hero’s party.』

“Yes. But is it truly wise to bolster the Hero’s strength?”

Though he wasn’t happy about his situation, Granada was a servant of the Demon King.

He had taken an oath upon the World Tree. Helping the man who intended to decapitate his liege felt inherently wrong.

“I assumed the plan was to play the ally and then bury a knife in his ribs when he least expects it.”

That was clearly not the strategy.

『Are you aware of the reason Hero expeditions have taken this specific form?』

Berge remained silent for a heartbeat before continuing. He ignored Granada’s specific question.

“Hasn’t it always functioned this way?”

These campaigns had operated under this model since before Granada was even born.

『Nothing in this reality is ‘natural.’ This state of affairs exists because of the incompetence of previous Demon Kings.』

“…Hm.”

‘Aren’t you technically one of them?’ The thought stayed behind Granada’s teeth.

『You understand that Demon Kings are bound by certain cosmic regulations.』

“I’ve heard the whispers.”

『The whispers are accurate. And that is why the current system is so absurd.』

The previous rulers adhered strictly to the Standard of the Demon King—they never left their fortresses unless it was to kidnap someone, and they sent out strictly managed monsters to act as training fodder for Heroes.

They played the role of the villain, causing just enough chaos while effectively distributing gold and gems to their enemies.

They were essentially a stable source of rare materials.

『I am certain of one thing now.』

There were no greater fools in existence.

『The most effective way to shatter this cycle is to wipe them out at the very beginning.』

However, Berge currently lacked the overwhelming military force to do so. Therefore, he had devised a different approach.

If he couldn’t destroy the system, he would stop feeding it.

There was a deeper layer to his motivation.

『A Hero’s expedition is the ultimate expression of human avarice. People congregate there to satisfy their hunger for more.』

Some want the glory, some want the coin, and some want even loftier prizes.

But what would happen if those rewards vanished? Or were severely cut?

Particularly if the assembly gathered under Hillun Kagil’s banner was larger and more expectant than any before it?

『I shall not deploy monsters.』

『I shall not dispatch demons.』

『I shall utilize no deceptions.』

Without combat, there is no glory to be won.

Without kills, there are no valuable materials to harvest.

Without events, public interest will wither.

What will the scavengers do when the well runs dry?

Under Hillun’s leadership, there might not be a total collapse. But small frustrations? Minor infighting? That was the goal.

Berge wanted to see what would happen if he changed the variables.

He was betting that the number of willing Heroes and sellswords would drop, even if only by a fraction.

『You are to provide me with constant updates on the gradual decay of this expedition.』

“…Under orders.”

Granada inclined his head, a cold shiver tracing his spine.

‘Good gods, this Demon King understands the human heart far too well.’

Money. He had aimed his strike at the very foundation of the Hero’s journey.

And that strategy…

To a man like Granada, who had seen the depths of human greed as a slave, this felt infinitely more dangerous than sending a legion of monsters.

—

* I will grant you total freedom. Construct the most lethal gauntlet possible.
* One restriction.
* No mana stones. Not a single trace of magical energy can be used.

It was a solitary rule, but it was absolute.

“…Hmm.”

Dwarves were masters of their craft. That innate skill paved the way for metallurgy, refining, and smithing.

It was only natural that as their methods evolved, they began to weave mana into their work, creating magitech.

In the modern age, dwarven engineering was synonymous with magical technology.

“Is the task proving difficult?”

“…Gah!”

Roger jumped, startled by the sudden voice.

“Did I frighten you? My apologies.”

The princess offered a bright smile.

“…You nearly stopped my heart. Please, give me some warning next time.”

“I shall try.”

‘I don’t think I’ll ever get used to this.’

A captive walking around as if she owned the place. The Demon King permitted it, so Roger didn’t argue.

“I’m glad you’re here, at least. This tower is terribly dull.”

“I can’t disagree with that.”

“Even as a prisoner, you’re still a Hero, which is comforting. Tell me, what’s the blueprint for the entrance hall?”

“I’m still working on the theory.”

If he had access to mana stones, it would be simple.

He could rig the halls with detection spells and point fifty mana-charged cannons at the door—no Hero, regardless of skill, would walk away from that.

But he had no magical power source.

‘I’d have to swap the cannons for primitive explosives, the ballistae for mechanical triggers, and the traps for…’

There were non-magical substitutes for everything. But would they produce the sheer destructive force the Demon King expected?

“I understand. Basic black powder probably won’t be enough to stop someone like Hero Hillun…”

“Hillun Kagil? The one who defeated the Lust Demon King?”

“Yes.”

“He’s actually coming? You’re certain?”

“Not entirely.”

The campaign had started, but Ernyan was isolated within the tower.

Neither Berge nor Gordon were keeping her in the loop.

However, she could piece it together through logic.

“My father is incredibly protective of me. The kingdom is likely in a state of panic, and he will spare no expense to bring me home.”

“He will hire the most capable Hero in the land, and in the territory of Hildran, that is undoubtedly Hero Hillun.”

“And the man cannot refuse. After all, I am the crown princess.”

Ernyan was utterly certain.

Roger was absolutely horrified.

‘The crown princess…?’

This was the first he was hearing of her rank.

If she was right, Hillun Kagil was definitely on his way. And the Demon King expected Roger to build a defense that could stop that titan.

Without using a drop of magitech.

Roger slumped to the floor.

“Are you alright?”

“No.”

He felt like weeping.

—

“I must have misheard your request.”

Berge leaned in slightly. Despite the monotony of the day, Roger could feel the subtle edge of disdain in the Demon King’s gaze.

“I’ve been told there’s a strong likelihood Hillun Kagil is coming.”

“It isn’t a likelihood—it’s a fact. The march has already started.”

“……”

The conditions were already terrible, and now there was a ticking clock.

“Hillun Kagil is a top-tier Hero, the man who ended the Lust Demon King. Setting traps to halt him is no small feat.”

It wasn’t just difficult. It was borderline suicidal.

“Then you have been dishonest with me. I was told you were the premier artisan of the dwarven realm, a person of great utility—and now you claim you are not. There is no reason to keep a useless ‘Hero’ alive.”

Fwoosh—

Dark flames flickered around Berge’s hand. Gordon turned pale.

“Mana! If you allow the use of mana, I can do it! I’m not saying it’s impossible—I’m just asking for the right materials!”

“I gave a direct order: no mana.”

There was no room for negotiation.

“Heroes possess a heightened sensitivity to mana and magical signatures, a gift from the heavens. Do you truly believe a Hero won’t detect the presence of magitech components?”

“Perhaps not all of them…”

Roger tried to argue weakly.

“Against the great Hillun?”

“……”

Particularly inside a Demon King’s Tower. Pure mana would stand out like a beacon amidst the heavy aura of magi.

Would a Hero really overlook such a blatant contradiction?

Would they not feel the shift in the air?

No. Even a lesser Hero would notice something was wrong.

Berge required total normalcy. A perfect trap relied on the enemy feeling completely safe.

“B-but we’re talking about Hillun. To kill the man who decapitates Demon Kings using only primitive, non-magical junk? It can’t be done.”

“Your task is to achieve what ‘can’t be done.’ Furthermore, I never commanded you to kill him on the spot.”

“…B-but.”

“In the human world, they say a true master doesn’t complain about his tools. You claimed to be a master, so prove it.”

“That’s human idiocy! We dwarves are the most particular people on earth when it comes to tools!”

“Shall I remove your tongue so I don’t have to listen to your whining?”

“Guh, no.”

Roger clamped his jaw shut. Then, he spoke up again.

“There might be another way. A way to use mana without the risks you’re worried about.”

“Oh?”

Berge appeared slightly interested, and Roger began to speak faster.

“There is a branch of magitech designed to mask its own mana trail. If we could acquire those…”

“And you are certain it can bypass his senses? Even here?”

“The mana levels in this tower are low, but they aren’t zero. We can tune the output to match the background radiation of the room. At least until they cross the threshold!”

“An interesting proposal. Where can we find this technology?”

“Uh… it’s in my personal workshop.”

“……”

“…P-please don’t kill me! I’m not trying to escape! Ack, I can’t breathe!”

Roger kicked his short legs frantically as he was hoisted into the air.