Chapter 140 140 – A New Protection

I had just dispatched my troops and was sitting on the throne, listening to a shapeshifter agent in the royal capital of Durcia.

"So, the point is they've started moving, huh?" I asked the agent. "They were quick to make preparations."

Yes, it hasn't been that long since we captured those scientists, but the prophet is already leading the army to retake the cities we've captured.

"Tension between Ascaind country and Durcia is still high, my lord. So, if the two countries armies are combined, there is fear of friction between them." The agent continued.

"So, they only use troops from Durcia, huh?"

"Yes, but their numbers are hardly small, my lord. Maybe we should use full force against them."

I chuckled. "Unfortunately, we can no longer know which direction they are taking. We can't send intruders to them."

"So, what should we do?"

Seeing Ayre, who was bowing before me and giving a hand signal, I stood up. "I have already divided the three armies that will head for the three cities. Sooner or later, the prophet's army will arrive at one of those cities or its surroundings. And I already have a strategy to deal with them, and Ayre has helped me.

"Ah, I see."

"Then, what about the progress of agents going to Ascaind country?"

"I've gathered some shapeshifters from a nearby town and some humans. We've found a way to sneak into Ascaind, my lord. Well, even though it's a bit tricky, we're sure we can do it."

"Good." I walked after Ayre. "I'll contact them later, but you already gave the briefing, right?"

"Yeah, I've told them to find out about the life history of the prophet Velvet, from when she was a child to adulthood."

I can't hold back a smile. That information might be the key to my victory over the prophet. "Well, I have to end this call. Keep updating me if anything happens."

The agent said goodbye, and I asked Ayre. "So, is it done?"

She flashed a smile. "Yes, although I had a bit of trouble finishing it because of the short duration. And it's far from perfect, my lord. After this, I will proceed with the actual manufacturing of your armor."

"It's okay." I'm still not used to seeing Ayre smile now and then. "The important thing is that it is functional."

The reason I asked Ayre to make armor was not that I felt inferior. However, I am not a fool. I need protection at certain times, especially when going against strong enemies.

I felt that my next fight with Velvet would be fierce. She has yet to show her best.

We entered Ayre's workroom, and a smile formed on my face again. In the center of the room was a set of black armor with sharp red patterns.

It really suits me.

"How about you try it now, my lord?" Ayre offered it to me.

"Sure…." My gaze shifted to one corner of the room. There was a helmet almost the same as the one in this armor set, but with something different.

I approached the helmet, watching the ripples on its surface. It looked like a liquid that had the shape of a helmet.

"In the future, it will become your true armor." Ayre approached me. "It is still in its early stages, and it will take a long time for this to be finalized."

"What is the difference between this and that armor you are showing?"

Ayre touched the surface of the helmet, triggering a growing ripple. "It will be much stronger and lighter, so it won't interfere with your movements. And besides that, this will also increase your abilities. However, right now, I can't measure the improvement. It's my first time making something like this, after all."

I keep observing that thing. To be honest, I'm so curious how it would be when it's done.

"This will be your masterpiece." I hissed. "I'm sure so. You are the greatest blacksmith in the world. No one will be able to match you."

"Thank you, Your Highness," Ayre answered and leaned closer to me. "Let's do the test run."

"Yeah, sure." I then switched back to the armor that Ayre had just made.

***

I fly by doing various maneuvers. The back of this armor has a hole just the right size for my wings. It's a little uncomfortable, but it doesn't bother me too much.

My speed did decrease, but I didn't feel it was significant. This kind of thing was natural since I wrapped my body in metal.

I then did a combination of fists and kicks in the air. And just like before, I didn't feel any significant obstruction.

Everything feels okay.

I then looked at the armor I was wearing. The red color is now luminous, giving it an ominous feel. It really suits my status as a demon lord.

I'm ready to fight the prophet.

After making a few more maneuvers and fighting moves, I flew down, approaching Ayre, who was waiting for me on top of a hill.

"I sometimes forget how dashing you are, my lord." She smiled by blinking her watery eyes. Then, she rubbed my chest, which was still covered by the armor. "I'm glad to have lived for hundreds of years to see you again."

I took off my helmet, gave that woman a slow nod, then stroked her cheek gently. "But, now you are here, accompanying me again to achieve my goal."

Now her smile is no longer weird but instead gives something warm to my heart.

"I swear I will never turn my back on you, my lord. If I do, it means my waiting will be in vain."

"You are the most loyal among others. They haven't even been following me for a year."

We continued to exchange glances, no longer needing words. We then closed our eyes, bringing our lips closer to each other until they finally met.

And I hugged her tightly.

Ayre, I swear too. I will lead you to the highest glory. Your wait really will not be in vain.