BAMN: Chapter 225/226

Chapter 225: Newcomers Are All Monsters

The Four Heavenly Kings, an almost indispensable element in the typical Otherworld Hero and Demon Lord trope.

Rin was a Demon Lord, so after establishing the Monster Nation, he naturally had the authority to appoint his own Four Heavenly Kings.

As for why there were five Four Heavenly Kings...

Isn't it common knowledge that there are five Four Heavenly Kings?

Just kidding.

"Trya, Doris, in addition to monitoring the Sorcerous Dynasty, you'll also assist Treyni in properly managing the forest."

So what looked like one Heavenly King position was actually held jointly by the two sisters.

Moreover, the ruling class of the Sorcerous Dynasty consisted of the Elf Race.

As mentioned before, the Elf Race were a type of fairy, all descended from Dryads who entered the material world.

Trya and Doris were from the Immortal Spirit Race, sharing the same origin as elves and fairies.

Having them interface with the Sorcerous Dynasty would help minimize suspicion to the greatest extent.

"Thank you for your appointment."

The sisters bowed. "We will never betray your trust."

"Mm. During this time, do your best to gather the Elf Race."

Rin said, "I intend to develop the Fairies into the fourth Dependent Race."

Fairies and Demons.

Rin's next targets were those two races.

Conveniently, the next strategic target for the sisters, the Sorcerous Dynasty Sarion, had a massive Elf population.

"That's wonderful!!"

"We'll definitely work hard!"

The two women were overjoyed and immediately expressed their thanks on behalf of the Fairy Race (including pixies, the Elf Race, and others) for Rin's generosity.

As for how Rin gained his fourth Family slot...

After evolving into a Demon Lord, Rin's Family limit increased from 3 to 6.

This allowed Rin to incorporate new monster races as part of his Family.

"Master, how should we handle relations with the Dwarf Kingdom to the north?"

The Starfang Wolves under Hoshiga would be directly facing the Dwarf Kingdom.

He wasn't afraid of clashing with the so-called Hero King of the Dwarves.

Still, Hoshiga needed clarification on how to approach them.

"Focus on defense. Do not initiate conflict unless necessary."

Rin said, "The Dwarf Kingdom has a population of 50 million. Starting a conflict now wouldn't benefit our development at all."

Of course, Rin could send his quasi-Demon Lord level subordinates.

No matter how powerful the Dwarf King was, he wouldn't be able to stop Hoshiga and the other high-level combatants.

"But the Dwarves cannot be conquered by violence."

As a race, the Dwarves were descendants of earth-attributed fairies.

They were stubborn, honest, and extremely trustworthy, making them outstanding allies who rarely broke promises once made.

"If we use military coercion, even if we win, all we'll get is a pile of rubble."

Plus, there was no existing grudge between them. Why would Rin attack them without cause?

Yes, he was a Demon Lord.

But to Rin, "Demon Lord" was just a power tier. It didn't have any practical meaning.

Nowhere was it written that a Demon Lord had to invade countries or destroy the world.

"Besides, the Great Jura Forest is vast."

"With a current population under a million, there's still far more land than we can develop."

Rin's plan for the Monster Nation, like Rimuru's, was to focus on agriculture, supplemented by commerce, following a path of neutrality.

"Right now, our most important task is to increase our population."

"As for war, that depends entirely on the enemy's attitude."

Rin said, "I hope you can remember this clearly."

"Especially you, Akano. The Oni Race needs to stay alert regarding the Western Countries."

"Humans have a deep-seated hostility toward monsters," Rin said. "If they find out a Demon Lord has appeared in the Great Jura Forest, they will definitely take action."

"Rin-sama, rest assured. I will never let those guys cross even a single step past the border!"

Akano wasn't the type to suffer in silence. If humans really tried to invade, the Oni would absolutely retaliate.

Rin wasn't as naive as Rimuru, issuing orders like "do not harm humans."

Besides, what did the humans of this world have to do with Rin?

He felt no sense of kinship toward them.

"It's not just about defense."

Rin's tone turned cold. "If the Western Countries dare declare war on us, then they're asking to be annihilated."

The Monster Nation would never be the aggressor.

But if someone dared to start a war, Rin would have full justification to wipe them out.

Thus, the Trya sisters would reach out to the Elf Race of the Sorcerous Dynasty, the Oni would guard against humans from the Western Countries, and the Tengu Clan would work with Frey to monitor the Beast Kingdom and Clayman's movements.

Four quasi-Demon Lord class combatants, each leading a race.

Such strength was more than enough for defending a nation.

It could even be used to attack four separate countries at once.

Rumble!!!

Not long after Rin issued his orders, a terrifying surge of magicules erupted outside the castle.

Clearly, Diablo and Snow Empress had awakened.

This time, however, since Rin and Violet had stayed conscious,

Everyone's magic was perfectly contained within the town limits, not a trace leaking out.

"Such, such a terrifying aura..."

Even as Rin's Family, Shuna couldn't help but tremble under the overwhelming pressure radiating from the seven individuals.

"So strong..."

Shion's face was tense, but she wasn't afraid. Rather, she was itching to fight. 'I really want to test myself against them!'

"Oh my, oh my."

Hakurou stroked his beard, narrowing his eyes at the four unfamiliar figures. "No wonder our Lord took a liking to them. They really are something else."

The Four Primordials were newcomers, yet they received Rin's blessing and underwent direct Demon Lord awakening.

Such treatment stirred not only admiration, but also a trace of envy among the other Family members.

Boom!!!

As if sensing those feelings, a crimson glint flashed through Diablo's pitch-black eyes.

In an instant, every monster present was wrapped in a frigid, bone-chilling killing intent and demonic energy.

Even those at the quasi-Demon Lord level felt as if they had fallen into an icy abyss, unable to move.

'That magical energy!'

'Are you kidding me?'

'Where did these newcomers come from to be this unbelievably powerful?!'

'...'

"Hmph."

Just as Diablo's majesty was about to take effect, Artoria let out a dissatisfied snort.

In the next moment, the demonic energy vanished.

It was replaced by a neutral, soft, and gentle holy light that instantly swept away the fear and pressure from everyone's hearts.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 236: Primordial White and Snow Empress

"Please mind your behavior."

Artoria cast a displeased glance at Diablo. "Attacking comrades is going too far."

"Ah, my apologies, my apologies."

Diablo maintained his elegant demeanor and bowed sincerely to Shuna, Shion, and the others. "I merely sensed some doubt and chose to use certain methods to prove myself."

No one could really fault him for that.

After all, they had been the ones to question the Four Primordials in the first place.

Besides, Diablo had perfect control. He would never let anyone get hurt.

"If I've offended anyone, I offer my sincerest apology here."

"Pfft."

Carrera couldn't help but laugh at Diablo's over-the-top behavior.

"You mustn't be rude in front of Rin-sama, Yellow."

"Got it."

Carrera waved her hand lazily, clearly not taking Diablo's words to heart.

As members of Rin's Dependent, they could directly sense Rin's mood.

If their actions would truly displease him,

They wouldn't have done it to begin with.

"Enough."

Rin stepped in to stop the Primordials' antics.

He had never expected his Dependents to all get along perfectly.

That was unrealistic.

Moreover, the Four Primordials were demons to their core.

Rin had no intention of forcing human values onto them.

His only rule was this:

Do not harm comrades, and absolutely never betray your own.

"This will be the first and last time."

Rin warned, "Do not make this mistake again."

"Understood!"

Diablo lowered his head. "I will follow your will!"

The three women also voiced their resolve in unison, promising to integrate into the group as best as they could and never bring trouble to Rin-sama.

"Mm."

Satisfied, Rin nodded. "Congratulations to all of you on successfully awakening."

"All thanks to your gracious gift~"

"And now..."

"Primordial Black, Diablo."

"Primordial White, Testarossa."

"Primordial Yellow, Carrera."

"Primordial Purple, Ultima."

"Present ourselves to you!"

Led by Diablo and Primordial White, the four Demon Primarchs knelt in unison and offered a formal salute to Rin. "To our Lord, Demon Lord Rin-sama, we offer everything!"

"!!!"

As the four introduced themselves, leaving aside the younger monsters, the experienced Hakurou and Kaede were utterly shaken.

And not just the old couple. Treyni, Trya, Doris, and other fairies who had lived for thousands of years also visibly paled.

The five of them instinctively gasped.

"Primordials!"

"Demon Dukes!"

"Black, White, Yellow, Purple... the legendary Seven Pillars!"

To the beings of the Cardinal World, demons were like ghost stories from Rin's previous life.

And among them, these four, Primordial-class Demon Dukes, were the stuff of childhood nightmares.

Nation-destroying, genocidal horrors.

"Unthinkable..."

Kaede muttered, stunned. "That you would actually swear allegiance to Rin-sama..."

No, it should be said, as expected of Rin-sama. Even the Primordials, the incarnations of chaos, had been tamed by him.

Demons were indeed evil, but they valued contracts above all.

They didn't lie lightly, nor did they make vows they couldn't uphold.

Yet just now, the four had clearly sworn loyalty to Rin.

That meant they would serve him wholeheartedly. No betrayal, no regret, for all eternity.

"Your reaction is strange."

Ultima tilted her head. "It is our honor to serve Rin-sama."

Just seeing how these Primordials revere Rin left the others speechless.

Unfortunately, their loyalty was absolute, but it extended only to Rin. Only his words and thoughts mattered.

As for everyone else...

Sorry, they didn't register.

"Ogerpon?"

On the other side, Ogerpon peeked out from behind Snow Empress and Artoria.

After this evolution, Ogerpon had grown from a girl around 12 or 13 into a mature 16-year-old.

Yes, aside from her chest still being flat, the girl had clearly grown.

"You've grown, Ogerpon."

"Come here."

Rin beckoned her over.

He had always treated his first companion like a younger sister.

The girl ran over cheerfully, then jumped straight into Rin's arms.

"Mm-hmm, good girl."

Rin let her sit on his lap and gently stroked her hair. "Ogerpon has awakened too."

"Ogerpon is stronger now!"

She beamed. "I can protect Rin better now!"

'What... what kind of favoritism is this?!'

'Who is this person?! How is she receiving such special treatment from Rin-sama?!'

Diablo was green with envy. He too wanted to be patted by Rin-sama.

"Demons, such strange creatures."

Snow Empress, walking at the end, slowly circled the four who had stood up, then stood by Rin's side.

Her attitude was icy.

Snow Empress made no effort to hide her hostility toward the Primordials.

"That aura… are you a Fairy?"

Testarossa spoke with a composed smile. She raised her head, crimson eyes locking with Snow Empress's icy blue ones. Invisible sparks flew.

In the Cardinal World, Snow Empress was categorized as a Fairy.

And fairies restrained demons. Demons restrained angels. Angels restrained fairies.

That said, Testarossa wasn't the type to provoke just because of racial compatibility.

She simply disliked Snow Empress.

The reason was simple: their personalities.

Like Snow Empress, Testarossa was a cool, elegant older-sister type. Reserved, calculating, distant.

So...

'This one's annoying.'

Both women thought at the same time.

"A bit of an eyesore."

"Hey, are you really a monster?"

Carrera tilted her head, studying Artoria. "You smell like a human Hero."

Carrera was very interested. If possible, she wanted to spar with her right away.

A friendly match, of course. Nothing too serious.

And that kind of thing didn't violate Rin's rules.

"A Berserker?"

Artoria sensed Carrera's fighting spirit and responded with a smile. "I'll gladly accept your challenge anytime."

"Eh?"

You're willing to fight? Then we're good friends!

Just as Artoria had seen through Carrera's essence, Primordial Yellow had also noticed the exquisite martial prowess of the King of Knights.

(To be continued.)