The grand plaza’s gonna be torn apart…!
I looked out the window to see the plaza transformed into a scene of utter chaos. Steel tentacles were erupting from the ground and attacking everyone in sight, including the high priests on stage, as the ground cracked and split.
It appeared that this was Kormadino’s secret weapon—a demon lord with roots growing below the grand plaza itself. It was a fail-safe meant to ruin the entire election. If he simply killed all the high priests, it would be as if the election had never even occurred. It was clear how desperate he was.
“He was given the name ‘Fomor,’” said Kormadino, calmly ringing the bell in his hand, looking entirely at ease. “He’s a demon lord I raised myself, so he’s loyal to me. He’s the bridge that connects the coexisters—that is, mankind—with them.”
“…S-sir Kormadino!” shouted a guard, ensnared in the steel vines. “Please stop this thing! I-it’s attacking us, too!”
“That’s unfortunate. It seems it only loves me.” Kormadino didn’t take his eyes off me for a second. “While it’s a shame that I will have to give up my position as governor-general, it’s time I cut my losses. I am leaving the Federated Kingdom. So Xylo… Who was the real mastermind here? Venetim or me? You were so wrapped up in your little election victory that you couldn’t see the bigger picture, and that’s what makes us different.”
“Governor-General! Please stop this! Please! We’re—!”
The steel tendril thrashed, slamming the captured guard against a wall, putting a permanent end to his screams. The tentacle writhed around, seeking its next victim, its tip now a deadly spear. The guard beside me curled into a ball and let out a bloodcurdling cry.
“Are you stupid?!” I unsheathed my knife, knowing I’d only have one left; I didn’t have any other options. “Run, you idiots! Get out of here!”
My knife, infused with the explosive power of my sacred seal, met the tendril head-on. A blinding flash and a deafening roar erupted as the tendril was blown back. The attack left a deep wound on its surface and knocked it off course. It whizzed by me and the remaining guard, crashing into a wall.
So even that didn’t break it! Dammit. Those tentacles are tough.
All the same, it created an opening. The tendril pulled back into the ground, clearly wary of my next move.
“Get up! Hey! Do you want to die?” I seized the guard by the nape of the neck and yanked him upright to his feet.
“S-sorry!”
“Don’t talk! Just keep your head down and run!”
I rolled out of the room and into a hallway lined with spotless windows. Elegant paintings and sacred seal–engraved candlesticks lay destroyed as soldiers scrambled to escape—but I didn’t have the luxury of running.
“It appears I have no choice but to join the Demon Blight just like Tovitz Hughker,” said Kormadino. “But I’ll have to bring an offering. I need to deal a devastating blow to humanity before I go.” He rang the small bell again, prompting Demon Lord Fomor to writhe. “I will kill every last high priest, creating chaos within the Temple. Then, though it is only my personal wish, I will kill you, Xylo Forbartz.”
“What a coincidence.” We were on the same page for once. “I was actually thinking about how I need to kill you, too.”