Chapter 159

Chapter 159
## Chapter 159: Reorganization

Submerging the fortress into the ocean depths.

It was a move that carried both advantages and drawbacks.

On the positive side, it shielded them from the constant surveillance of the world and significantly minimized the likelihood of the structure being targeted by hostiles.

“And the downsides?”

Conducting operations on the surface would become nearly impossible. While the tower was built to withstand the crushing pressure of the abyss, the creatures within were not aquatic and could not survive submerged.

“The Frost Orcs stay behind.”

It was an easy decision. Forcing orcs—creatures that thrived on the instinctual hunt through frozen peaks—to live inside a sunken tower was a poor strategic choice. Left to their own devices, they would naturally expand their territory and build their own armies. There was no reason to micromanage them.

“Still, I’ll bind as many Frost Orcs as I can as familiars first. I don’t want them to feel like they’ve been discarded just because I won’t be around to lead them directly.”

I had already tasked Krutu with selecting the most capable fighters. This would increase my mana drain, but the infamy I had cultivated was currently fueling my reserves with a steady, massive flow of energy.

“Will the mechanical legs endure the water pressure?”

The dwarves were confident, and based on Berge’s own assessment, the tower-enhanced limbs were more than sturdy enough. However, uncertainty always lingered. After all, no one in history had ever attempted to walk a tower across the seabed.

“A tower… under the waves?”

“To see this massive monument trekking across the ocean floor… I could die happy after witnessing such a feat.”

“Happy? Don’t be ridiculous! A golem’s purpose is to stand, then walk, then run, and finally, to take to the skies!”

“Precisely. This is just the beginning. We’ve built a masterpiece, but the potential for evolution is limitless!”

“Focus, brothers. We need to monitor the structural integrity underwater. This data is priceless.”

“Truly fascinating.”

Berge watched the dwarves with a sense of mild disbelief; their shared obsession was borderline mania. They had even volunteered to stay below and maintain the legs should any malfunction occur.

“Running?”

He could envision the tower leaping, perhaps. If he funneled enough mana into the systems, it was likely possible even now. But flight?

“A citadel in the clouds.”

It was a compelling thought. Perhaps, if the opportunity presented itself in the future, it would be a project worth pursuing.

There was no internal resistance to the plan of sinking the tower. A few of the more recently abducted princesses had voiced some quiet complaints, but the dwarf princess had quickly silenced them. Regardless, they had no say in the matter.

“Not every royal is built the same.”

Ernyan, Kaede, Elena, Lavinia, and Louise were the exceptions—talented, sharp, and each uniquely strange. The other five princesses held no real utility beyond being batteries for mana production.

—!

—!

“My master, I will ensure these mountains become your undisputed territory.”

“Just stay clear of the forbidden zones I marked.”

“By your command!”

After binding another hundred Frost Orcs and completing Krutu’s awakening, the tower finally lurched into motion.

The journey was a test of patience. The mountain range was immense, and the tower’s pace was methodical and slow. Watching the landscape shift through the windows was novel for a day or two, but the charm eventually faded.

Berge used the time to perform a meticulous audit of the tower’s interior. His departure for the Empire was imminent, and he could afford no oversights.

“I have no complaints. It is a bit disappointing to stop the monster culls, but with Louise Beruft around lately…”

Kaede wasn’t a perfect replacement for Ernyan, but she was doing her best to bridge the gap. She led the elves, oversaw training, and joined the orc wolf-riders on hunts. It was meant to keep her combat instincts sharp, but the experience had shifted ever since the warrior Louise Beruft began demanding daily duels.

“I see. So you’re satisfied with the current arrangement.”

“I am. And though it might sound strange coming from your knight, I actually prefer the idea of staying beneath the sea.”

“You’re willing to fight, but you’d rather not be forced into a direct confrontation with the Empire?”

“…Yes. I apologize.”

“There is no need for that.”

He didn’t hold it against her. Personal history wasn’t something easily discarded, and she had already proven her loyalty as a dark knight many times over.

“Thank you for your grace.”

“Would you like some chocolate?”

“…Ah, yes, thank you.”

A small smile touched Kaede’s lips as she took a bite of the confection.

“Anything else on your mind?”

After giving her a few more pieces and watching her depart, Elena was the next to enter.

“The ocean suits me. Besides, it’s not like I’m in a state where I can leave the tower regardless of where it’s parked.”

“You’ve already stabilized your third seal, haven’t you?”

“I have.”

To achieve three seals within a single year of starting her magical education was staggering. Her potential was clearly on par with Ernyan’s. They were a pair of geniuses.

“And I have both sisters in my grasp.”

While he hadn’t made a formal familiar contract with Ernyan, their connection was arguably more profound.

“I’ve heard you have a natural talent for wind manipulation?”

“Yes. It feels the most natural to me. The mana flows without friction; it’s actually quite enjoyable.”

Every mage had an elemental affinity. For Elena, the air was her domain.

“Let me see your hand.”

“Alright.”

He took her hand, sending his senses inward. He could clearly perceive the mana heart at her core and the three distinct, glowing seals. The volatile, chaotic energy that once threatened to tear her apart was now channeled safely within those boundaries.

“But the work isn’t finished.”

Unbound mana still drifted through her system. Her heart was currently too small to act as a complete vessel for her vast power. If she left the protection of the tower for too long, her condition would deteriorate.

But that was a temporary hurdle.

“Once you hit the fourth seal.”

At that stage, her physical body would finally be strong enough to contain the pressure. It wouldn’t take her long to get there.

“Chocolate?”

“If you’re offering.”

She took a bite.

“Is this from that bakery, the Daily Bread, in the capital?”

“Tastes familiar, does it?”

“It’s the most sought-after treat in the city. My sister is quite fond of it.”

“Is that so?”

“Actually, she usually prefers tarts over chocolate.”

“I didn’t ask for her preferences.”

“I thought I’d share anyway.”

“How pointless.”

“Just making conversation.”

She really did sound exactly like Ernyan. Elena grabbed a few more sweets and made her exit.

“The deep. Sea beasts.”

“You want to study aquatic monsters for your chimeras?”

“Yes! Big ones. Truly massive ones.”

Lavinia used her arms to gesture an enormous circle.

“Like a sea serpent?”

The Holy Dragon Sea Serpents were behemoths exceeding 30 meters. They possessed power comparable to high-ranking demons and were virtually untouchable in their element—even the former Demon King Vivian would struggle against one in the water. They weren’t quite at the level of a Leviathan, but they were the apex of the ocean. Hunting one would be an immense chore.

Was it worth the effort?

“Yes.”

“No.”

“…You’re mean.”

“I’ll secure some standard sea monsters for your research instead.”

“Fine! What about a volcano?”

“A volcano? Don’t be absurd.”

Lavinia left in a huff, pouting. She even snubbed the chocolate he offered. She was the most immature of the group and notoriously picky.

“The sea? As long as it doesn’t kill me, I don’t care. But I have a favor to ask.”

“Speak.”

“Can I spar with that dark elf, Gordon? Everyone treats him like he’s the supreme authority among the craftsmen.”

She had likely witnessed Gordon instructing Kaede.

“I’ll consider it.”

“I’ll hold you to that!”

Louise crammed a handful of chocolates into her mouth, winced at the sugary intensity, and marched out.

With the princesses finished, he called for Vivian.

“Why am I the last one? As a former Demon King, shouldn’t I be at the top of the list?”

“You were the last to arrive.”

“I am still a Demon King.”

“Currently, you are merely a high demon.”

“And who exactly saved your life? You have to admit, without my tower, you’d be a memory by now.”

She wasn’t entirely wrong. Integrating the two structures had increased overall efficiency across the board. To put it in perspective, the mechanical legs that had cost 7.2 million mana points would have cost twice as much if not for her contribution. Vivian had been incredibly smug since realizing this. He considered knocking her down a peg, but since she spoke the truth, he let it go.

“Even a good point becomes annoying when repeated four times.”

“Fine, I’ll stop. But surely I’m entitled to a request?”

“I haven’t even told you why I called you here.”

“I don’t mind the ocean move. Happy?”

“What are you talking about?”

“Isn’t that what you were asking the princesses…?”

“You aren’t a princess, Vivian Blunt. You are my familiar. You follow my lead. Your personal opinion on the matter is irrelevant.”

“…Some of those princesses are familiars too.”

“If that bothers you, then make yourself more indispensable than Kaede or Elena.”

“…This is the greatest insult I’ve endured since taking the throne.”

Vivian bit her lip, clearly irritated.

“That throne is gone, so get used to it.”

“…Then why have you summoned a ‘mere demon’ such as myself, my lord?”

“Watch your tone, Vivian.”

“…Tch.”

Once she was sufficiently humbled, Berge moved to the real topic.

“Vivian, officially, you are dead. You understand this, right?”

“Of course.”

“But because your tower wasn’t destroyed and the Demon King didn’t technically perish, there was no forced return to the Demon Realm. They likely still believe you are active.”

“Most likely.”

“That won’t last forever.”

If a new Demon King wasn’t appointed to her slot, the others would eventually investigate. They would reach out to the home realm.

“When the truth comes out, how do you think Archduke Alcaine will react?”

“It won’t just be him. The entire Demon Realm will be in an uproar.”

The loss of a tower was a significant blow. There were only fifty in existence; losing one was a strategic disaster.

“Exactly. So, what is the Demon Realm’s likely play?”

“Is that a serious question? They will investigate the cause. If they trace it back to you, they will attempt a forced summoning.”

They would find the source of the problem and eliminate it.

“And if I refuse the call?”

“They’ll cut you off. They’ll likely send other Demon Kings to hunt you down or sever your connection entirely.”

As the master of a tower, a Demon King held primary rights over the structure, bound by the system, blood, and soul. But the Demon Realm was not a place of sentiment. It was a realm governed by the survival of the fittest. They wouldn’t tolerate a rogue element holding a tower.

The tower was linked to the Demon Realm, and that link could be cut. If that happened, all external support would vanish: no more trap enhancements, no more terrain manipulation, and no more summoned reinforcements. Everything required mana to be drawn from the home realm. While the tower’s innate ability to nullify interference might remain, a tower stripped of its secondary systems was a hollow shell.

“Does that even matter to you, though? Your forces are elves, dwarves, and humans. Your only high-ranking subordinate is a dark elf. You don’t use demons or beasts—just local monsters.”

It hadn’t been an intentional design, but she was right. Even the maintenance was handled by dwarves rather than the Demon Realm’s systems. However, her view was narrow.

“This is about the long game. If I’m branded an enemy, my plans for the conquest of Aren or an eventual return to the Demon Realm become complicated.”

“That seems like a problem for the distant future.”

“The future starts now. I intend to conquer this world and then take the Demon Realm.”

“…If you say so. But there’s nothing we can do about it this second.”

“Tch.”

She was right, frustratingly enough.

“I didn’t anticipate things playing out this way.”

Had he known that absorbing her tower would effectively erase its official status, he might not have agreed so readily.

“No, I still would have.”

Without the merged efficiency, he wouldn’t have been able to mobilize the tower in time. It was a necessary trade-off.

“Fine. You mentioned a request earlier?”

“My subordinates are just loitering.”

The succubi and other demons had helped with the construction of the legs, but they were naturally inclined to avoid the company of dwarves and elves. The succubi, in particular, were struggling to find a purpose.

“The defense of the floors is the duty of demons, isn’t it?”

“You don’t typically put succubi on the front lines of floor defense.”

“So you want work suited to their nature.”

“Precisely. Not for me, obviously.”

Vivian, having been a Demon King, was far beyond the needs of a typical succubus.

“Succubus work…”

They were masters of seduction and manipulation, but in the Demon Realm, they were also respected administrators and nightmare weavers.

“You want them to help run the tower?”

“I want them to contribute. They are your familiars. Leaving them with nothing to do only breeds anxiety and friction with the others.”

Dark elves and succubi were indeed known for their administrative skills. But there was a snag.

“You know Gordon, my second-in-command, doesn’t actually have much to do? He spends more time idling than working.”

Gordon mostly focused on his own training, roaming the halls, or teaching Kaede. As the tower grew, management would become vital, but Berge’s current setup was unconventional. The floors were mostly empty, and the various races were already self-governed by their respective leaders.

“It’s true, the tower is quite sparse right now.”

“I’ll speak with Gordon regardless. As we expand, he’ll need the help, and getting them synced up now is a good idea.”

“I appreciate it.”

Vivian leaned in with a mischievous glint in her eyes, only to be stopped by Berge’s palm against her face.

“None of your games.”

“…It never works on you.”

She clicked her tongue and headed for the door. Once she was gone, Berge called for Gordon.

“I want you to coordinate with the succubi to manage the tower’s internal affairs.”

“Is there actually anything that needs managing?”

“It’s about the structure. Do you plan on being this idle forever?”

“…I’ll do my best. But must you really go to the Empire? It’s far too risky.”

“I am capable of masking my mana.”

“Even so… is this report really worth the danger?”

In simple terms, it was the king infiltrating the heart of the enemy. If it worked, it was a blade to the opponent’s throat. If it failed, it was death. If Berge fell, the tower would be forcibly returned, and everything they built would vanish.

“I have to go.”

Berge was unmovable. His focus wasn’t even on Gordon as he spoke.

“I have never forgotten that blade.”

He couldn’t. It was the weapon that had pierced his chest and granted him the release of death.

“A blade?”

“It’s nothing.”

“I see I cannot change your mind.”

“You cannot.”

“Then I have only one thing to say: come back in one piece.”

“That goes without saying.”

—

Several weeks passed.

The tower’s long trek finally reached its conclusion. One by one, the massive mechanical legs stepped into the surf, sending schools of fish darting away as the water churned. The tower finally settled in the dim twilight of the ocean, a hundred meters below the surface.

And then, the unthinkable happened.

“Simply marvelous.”

“The hatches open, yet not a single drop of water enters the halls.”

“There’s no detectable magic field holding it back.”

“No visible seals, either.”

“I want to take the door apart to see how it works.”

“Ahem, I’ve already secured the rights to study the mechanisms from our lord.”

“What?”

“He said if we come up with better reinforcements, we can have access to the blueprints.”

“Is that true?”

“Access…!”

“Better reinforcements… why stop at legs? We should give the tower arms. Turn it into a giant humanoid golem!”

“Impractical. His lordship prefers firepower. We should line the exterior with thousands of mana cannons.”

“A walking fortress of absolute destruction. The mere thought is exhilarating.”

Leaving the dwarves to their frantic dreaming, Berge stepped back onto the soil of the continent.

—

**[159. Reorganization] End**