After hearing Demiurge's explanation, both Cocytus and Sebas looked at Ren Kuroda with unmistakable admiration.
As for the skeletal overlord seated upon the throne, his jaw had been slightly agape the entire time. Only when his forced calm effect activated did he regain his usual composed and imposing demeanor.
"That's correct," he said at last. "I do intend to bring the Re-Estize Kingdom under Nazarick's dominion. Preparations have already been set in motion. Now that the Great Tomb of Nazarick has arrived in this world, remaining isolated is no longer an option.
"Humans are the dominant force in this world. If we wish to establish control, slaughtering all humans and other races would be the most primitive approach—and one that would create countless enemies.
"The Re-Estize Kingdom will serve as our first test subject. If the plan succeeds, the same method can later be applied to other nations."
Ren Kuroda crossed his arms slightly, listening as the explanation continued.
"There is another advantage," Demiurge added smoothly. "By controlling the kingdom from the shadows, we can remain hidden. Even when facing powers like the Slane Theocracy, we can manipulate the kingdom as a puppet—allowing it to clash with our enemies while we secretly support it, preserving our mystery."
After Ren Kuroda and Demiurge's seamless back-and-forth explanation, everyone present—including the overlord himself—fully grasped the strategy and expressed their approval.
Sebas's loyalty was also tested afterward and confirmed beyond doubt.
Before departing, the overlord instructed Sebas and Soryuka to assist Ren Kuroda in his operations. As for himself, he would return alongside Demiurge to refine the "script"—preparing for a grand performance in which Nazarick would play the role of the kingdom's savior.
Climb served as the personal bodyguard of Princess Renna. Saved by her when he was young, he had sworn to devote his life to protecting her.
The blond youth was earnest, passionate, and kind-hearted. Though born a commoner, he had earned the princess's deep trust.
In terms of background, his story bore some resemblance to the kingdom's strongest warrior captain, Gazef Stronoff. Both were commoners, yet one served the king while the other devoted himself to the princess.
However, there was one crucial difference. Gazef was a peerless swordsman, unmatched in the entire kingdom.
Climb, on the other hand, despite his relentless effort and unwavering resolve, lacked natural talent. No matter how hard he trained, his strength remained mediocre, his swordsmanship limited to the most basic techniques.
That day, after completing his patrol, Climb arrived at a tavern—where he encountered two members of the adamantite-ranked adventurer team "Blue Rose": Gagaran and Evileye.
Or rather, it wasn't a coincidence. He had been summoned there.
Because Princess Renna maintained a close relationship with Blue Rose, Climb had become familiar with its members. In the past, he had even sought their guidance in hopes of becoming stronger—but to no avail.
Evileye had bluntly told him that he lacked talent, and that no amount of effort would change that.
"Gagaran, you're the one who called this kid here, aren't you?" Evileye asked.
"What's the problem?" Gagaran shrugged. "Maybe the 'War Oni' can help him. Didn't you say that adventurer—Ren Kuroda—is someone even you can't fully figure out?"
Though Gagaran appeared rough and imposing, she possessed a surprisingly gentle heart. She genuinely admired Climb's determination.
"I'm sorry," Climb said quickly. "I won't cause any trouble for either of you."
The reason they had gathered here was simple—they were meeting another adamantite-ranked team: "War Oni."
Though the team consisted of only two members, they stood at the same pinnacle as Blue Rose. Climb had long admired them, and more than anything, he didn't want to miss any chance to grow stronger.
As they chatted, a sudden stir rippled through the tavern.
A strikingly handsome man and a beautiful woman entered through the door. What caught everyone's attention, however, were the adamantite badges hanging from their bodies—the mark of the highest-ranking adventurers.
From a distance, Climb observed the two as they approached. His first impression was simple: they were both young—and incredibly attractive.
Yet despite being around his age, they had already reached the pinnacle of the adventurer world, accomplishing feats beyond imagination.
In comparison, he was nothing more than an ordinary guard. Years of training had yielded little. Even basic martial techniques remained difficult for him.
For the first time, Climb couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Talent truly made all the difference.
"Ren Kuroda, Yuri—long time no see!" Gagaran greeted them warmly, stepping forward. "Lakyus and the others wanted to come too, but we uncovered a hideout belonging to Eight Fingers—some kind of illegal drug operation. They went to deal with it before the target could escape."
Even Evileye, usually cold and distant, gave a slight nod in greeting.
"You found one of Eight Fingers' hideouts too?" Ren Kuroda replied with a faint smile. "What a coincidence. Before coming here, I also discovered a suspicious location that might belong to them. I was planning to investigate it after meeting up with you."
The place he referred to was, of course, where Tsuare had been captured. He had originally intended to act immediately, but Blue Rose's request to exchange information had brought him here instead.
"As expected of you," Gagaran said with a grin. "You've only been in the capital a few days, and you've already uncovered one of their bases. Just like always—reliable. Lakyus was right to recommend you to the princess. With your help, we should be able to wipe out Eight Fingers in no time."
They began exchanging information. Originally, Blue Rose had intended to support Ren Kuroda's group, assuming they were newcomers to the capital.
But to their surprise, Ren Kuroda's team possessed just as much intelligence as they did—if not more.
Then Ren Kuroda casually dropped a bombshell.
"On the way here, I encountered a powerful demon," he said. "After observing it, I realized its destination is the royal capital as well."
The revelation stunned everyone. Even Evileye, who had remained mostly silent, spoke up immediately.
"How strong was it? Are you certain its target is the capital?"
"Very strong," Ren Kuroda replied calmly. "Strong enough to effortlessly wipe out the guardian monsters from the ruins of the Thirteen Heroes. As for its goal… it seems to be searching for something in the capital. In any case, you should have the princess make preparations in advance."