Meeting

"Is that so? Well, that's really..."

Liyana suddenly thought of something.

The Lionkin tribe, whose ancestors fought among the humans...

Could it be Vic's descendant? The Fang of the Wilderness?

No way, right? Such a coincidence?

Liyana cast a surprised glance at Helug.

But just as Liyana was about to say something more, the surrounding atmosphere had already become inappropriate for casual chatter.

"Since there aren't many people here this time, let's skip the tedious formalities... and get straight to the point."

Several branches, moving like living creatures, extended from behind Hardwick, presenting a few somewhat torn, grayish-yellow robes.

"Let's start with the first matter. These things... everyone should be familiar with them, right?"

"Twilight Apostles?" Nakaen's expression shifted slightly. "Hardwick, have those guys been spotted in your territory as well?"

"But isn't your Underworld Realm entirely populated by necromancers and undead creatures? How could they become targets for that gang?" Helug asked, somewhat puzzled. "To think they wouldn't even spare dry bones and wandering spirits. Sacrificing those, aren't they afraid that 'Hero' might get an upset stomach?"

The essence of undead creatures was diametrically opposed to that of the living. What sustained their existence was not vitality, but cold, silent death aura... To undead creatures, vitality was actually a deadly poison. Similarly, for living beings, being tainted by death aura was an incredibly dangerous thing.

"I'm not sure myself." Hardwick's pitch-black branches retracted into the shadows like a receding tide, and the yellow robes fluttered silently onto the snow. "But in my territory, those settlements at the very bottom, composed of weak undead, have all been attacked and harassed."

"Hmm... I've also heard my subordinates mention this." Helug's gaze darkened slightly, his fingers tapping gently on the throne beneath him. "In the Savage Wilderness, some small-scale tribes have similarly not been spared."

Nakaen pondered, "The situation for the Sea Clan is still fine, since we dwell in the deep sea... However, the trade relations with the humans along the coast, as well as the maritime trade routes, have been significantly affected by this matter."

"The Snowfields as well," Mida spoke faintly, giving herself a bit of presence.

"It seems it is necessary for us to take some measures too." Hardwick's branches floated in front of him. "Perhaps we should learn from the effective strategies of the humans and establish a specialized administrative organization."

The Elves had the Elven Guard, and the humans had the Royal Knights.

Unlike the humans, the Demon Race did not have any specialized organizations similar to these. Contrary to the highly centralized system of the humans, most of the Demon Race still gathered in the form of various large and small communities and tribes.

And the Demon Kings would only intervene in conflicts and frictions between large tribes to prevent excessive casualties. As for the survival of small tribes, they didn't really care that much.

Might makes right; whether among humans or demons, this was an applicable rule.

But internal matters of the Demon Race should be resolved internally... What right did these Twilight Apostles have to stick their noses in?

If they let these guys do whatever they wanted in demon territory, outsiders might think the Demon Race was easy to bully.

"Establish a specialized organization...? Will some of the major families within our ranks oppose it?" Hearing Hardwick's proposal, a trace of contemplation flashed in Nakaen's deep-sea-like eyes. "Those guys will probably be hard to work with, right?"

Some deeply rooted, powerful families within their territories possessed terrifying influence. Even as Demon Kings, they had to take them seriously.

If they imitated the humans and set up a powerful organization to govern the entire region, it would undoubtedly restrict the power of those major families, which would certainly incur a lot of complaints.

"Why not just draw power from those major families to form this organization?" Olides, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke up. "That way, they will definitely be eager to stuff their own family members into it, just to secure a spot."

"That's a good idea." Helug nodded slightly, then looked at Olides. "How did you come up with this, kid? Aren't you always just thinking about picking fights with others?"

"That's obviously you... I've been thinking about these matters for a long time." Olides cast a glance at Helug, his wings folded behind his back, and said no more.

The group began to discuss the feasibility of this matter and ultimately finalized the plan proposed by Olides.

Mida yawned.

She didn't need to worry about such things. The Extreme Cold Snow Realm was vast and sparsely populated, making it difficult to implement such a plan. Those Snow Spirits also didn't require her governance.

Perhaps due to the harsh environment of the Snow Realm, the Twilight Apostles had only come once, and it was at the very edge.

"Then... next, let's discuss the second matter." Hardwick's gaze swept the surroundings. "Does anyone want to abdicate?"

The Demon Kings remained silent.

"Then... I won't be polite."

Nakaen immediately frowned. "Old man, what do you mean by this?"

"I've encountered some obstacles in my cultivation, so I plan to leave this position to the younger generation," Hardwick said faintly. "When the time comes, they might need your support."

Helug said in a muffled voice, "Your strength should be the greatest among us."

"To hold this position well, strength is certainly important, but it is not the only criterion."

Olides: "Do you already have a successor in mind?"

"Yes. The Underworld Hell is a paradise for dark creatures, and the Vampires' fortress is located at the very edge of the Underworld Hell... Given their prestige and strength, it wouldn't be surprising for a Demon King to be born among them." Hardwick stroked his beard and said calmly, "I heard that the Vampire Progenitor is still alive in this world. I think she would be very suitable for this position."

Nakaen was somewhat surprised. "The wife of that human Hero?"

"An existence that has lived from the last epoch to the present? She must be an incredible powerhouse..." Excitement flickered in Helug's eyes.

"Although her whereabouts are unknown, I plan to personally visit the Vampires later..."

"What if she doesn't accept?" Mida asked straightforwardly.

Hardwick was slightly taken aback; he truly hadn't considered this point.

"Hahaha, this is the position of a Demon King, the symbol of the highest power and strength in the Demon Race. How could anyone refuse such a request?" Helug laughed heartily. "How could anyone be so unappreciative?"

"But what if?" Mida continued to ask.

"Then until a new, suitable candidate is found, you'll just have to keep tormenting my old bones," Hardwick shook his head and chuckled.

Having received a satisfactory answer, Mida nodded gently.

It would be quite a pity if this old man were to abdicate.