The Demon Lord Army's activities were reaching a vast scale.
They were interfering not only within the continent, but also across the seas.
Beyond the tropical rainforests and other remote regions from the other day, they had established multiple bases there as well.
Subordinates were being dispatched to these locations to lay the groundwork.
In some areas, wars with local nations had already been provoked.
The situation of each conflict was constantly being reported, and additional forces were being dispatched based on that intelligence.
The military strength possessed by the Demon Lord Army was, without a doubt, the largest in the world.
In addition to a wide variety of subordinate species, there were immense numbers of undead, slaves, prisoners of war, and others.
The scale had grown to such an extent that it was almost difficult to manage.
Furthermore, those wishing to join their ranks were a constant stream.
Rumors were circulating that by becoming a subordinate of the Demon Lord, one would be spared from being a target of destruction.
Considering the recent state of affairs, this was not entirely unfounded.
It wasn't just those seeking military affiliation; many came seeking to immigrate as well.
They were, in principle, accepted.
Because they would eventually become a force supporting the Demon Lord's territory.
Of course, there were times when spies and agents were mixed in, so they were constantly being rooted out via Luciana.
Those trying to glean information about the Demon Lord's domain were captured, their affiliations exposed, and then turned into servants through Luciana's charm.
Alternatively, they were sent to the laboratory and utilized as experimental subjects.
A tragic end for them, but lenient punishment was not an option.
The Demon Lord's domain held a vast amount of sensitive information.
I absolutely cannot allow my true purpose to be discovered.
Information management must be airtight.
I am not omniscient or omnipotent.
I cannot save everyone equally.
That is precisely why I intend to utilize the power at my disposal to pursue the best possible course of action.
I will tolerate some sacrifices, adjusting things so that the world achieves peace as a whole.
(No matter who they may be, I will not allow them to stand in my way.)
As I digest the reports in the Audience Chamber, I steel my resolve once more.
Right now, the hostility of the entire world was converging upon the Demon King.
Not a bad trend.
Everything was proceeding as planned, and our strength was sufficient.
I would continue to adapt to circumstances, expanding the influence of the Demon King's army.
Once I forced humanity into a position where they had no choice but to cooperate, all that remained was perseverance.
Fortunately, I existed beyond the concept of a lifespan.
I could reign as the Demon King, simply and eternally.
Seated upon the throne, I glance at the keepsake sword leaning against its side.
"..."
World peace was finally beginning to take on a realistic air.
The process differed from what that person desired, but it was unquestionably a form of peace nonetheless.
And at last, I could make it a reality.
A strange sense of exhilaration seemed to bubble up within me.
At that moment, the door burst open, interrupting my thoughts.
Stumbling into the room in a panic was Grom.
He made no attempt to hide his agitation as he shouted.
"Lord of the Demon King! T-There is an emergency situation!"
"What is it?"
"A riot has broken out in one of our territories. It appears a specific group colluded to incite it. We are currently in the midst of suppressing it, but these individuals are making a concerning demand..."
"What is the demand?"
When I asked, Grom hesitated several times.
At that point, I felt a grim premonition, but I waited without interruption.
Eventually, he answered reluctantly.
"They are all making the same claim: A savior has descended upon the world."