Inside the tavern.
After hearing Feixiao's explanation, Keqing finally understood the whole situation.
She glanced at Yanqing's level.
Level 41.
If nothing unexpected had happened, that was probably the highest level among all players.
Having a Demon General power-level you really was convenient.
Paimon had done it.
Yanqing had done it too.
"So according to Miss Feixiao," Keqing said slowly, "your lineup is Demon King Phantylia, then Raiden Shogun, Ningguang, Black Swan, Silver Wolf, and you?"
Feixiao nodded.
She had already defected, so she didn't mind revealing information.
"Wait," Keqing frowned. "Aren't there supposed to be four Demon Generals? Why are there five?"
"Well…" Feixiao paused before replying.
"The Four Heavenly Kings having five members is common knowledge."
Keqing was speechless.
What kind of thing are you focusing on right now?
The important issue was that a huge number of players had rushed toward the castle.
They were about to be wiped out.
"So what should we do now?" Keqing asked. "Go warn them?"
"It's too late," Yanqing said, shaking his head.
"I've never been to that castle before, so teleportation magic can't take me there."
"…So those people are doomed?"
"Most likely."
Even Feixiao felt discouraged.
Despite rushing over as fast as possible, they still hadn't managed to warn the players in this city.
And she couldn't go rescue them either.
If Ningguang and the others found out what she was doing, they would immediately report her to Phantylia.
After all, she was still under magical control.
If Phantylia found out, she would definitely be dragged back and forced under control again.
And then she would truly have to fight the other players.
"Our plan," Yanqing continued, "is to head to the western island."
"Rumor says there's a treasure there that can remove all black magic control."
"Miss Keqing, would you like to come with us?"
Yanqing extended the invitation.
Even though Feixiao was helping him level up, his party still had empty slots.
If they could break Feixiao's control, they would finally have the strength to confront Demon Generals directly.
"Alright. I'll join you."
Although she still couldn't fully trust Feixiao, Keqing felt this was a good opportunity.
At the very least, following Yanqing was better than following Paimon.
Meanwhile…
A massive group of players had already stormed into the castle.
The previously silent castle was now filled with noisy shouting.
"Charge!"
"Go inside! The Demon General's kill is mine!"
Finally, Kaeya led the players to the entrance of the main hall.
"Listen up," Kaeya said.
"Once we go in, it's every person for themselves."
"Whoever lands the kill gets the reward. No complaints."
"Deal."
"Sounds fair."
"Let's go!"
Seeing everyone agree and not start fighting each other beforehand, Kaeya nodded.
Then he turned around and kicked the door open.
BANG!
"Come on! Three versus one, do you want it or not?"
"Let me think."
"What's there to think about? Bomb her! She's the landlord!"
The scene inside the hall stunned everyone.
What… was this?
Wasn't Silver Wolf supposed to be the Demon General?
And weren't Ningguang and Black Swan fighting her?
This didn't look like a battle.
After a moment of hesitation, Black Swan calmly placed four cards on the table.
"Four twos. Bomb."
"Good move."
Ningguang nodded approvingly.
"She's the landlord. Of course you should bomb her."
"Hmph. Joker bomb."
Silver Wolf threw down two cards.
Then she slapped down a long chain of cards.
"Plane. I've got one card left."
"…I can't beat that."
"Neither can I."
Silver Wolf tossed down her last card and spread her hands.
"Pay up."
"I told you earlier you shouldn't have bombed."
"That wouldn't change anything. Her plane was unbeatable anyway."
"Still better than taking another bomb."
The players outside were completely dumbfounded.
What… were they doing?
Was this the "fight" Paimon had described?
And it looked like Ningguang and Black Swan had lost.
"…Wait."
"…What?"
"…Huh?"
The three players at the table finally noticed the crowd.
"Oh? That's a lot of people."
Paimon really was useful.
Seeing the three standing together peacefully, Kaeya immediately realized—
They had been tricked.
He slowly stepped backward while subtly placing other players in front of himself.
BANG.
Black Swan waved her hand.
The doors slammed shut.
Now that you're inside, you're not leaving.
"…We're doomed."
"I knew we shouldn't have listened to Paimon."
"She's a total trap."
"Don't panic! We have numbers! Let's fight!"
Running wasn't an option anymore.
The only thing left was to fight.
At least that way they could lose with dignity.
"Alright! Follow me!"
Arataki Itto charged forward with his giant axe.
SLAP!
Black Swan casually waved her hand.
Itto was instantly blasted across the room, smashing into the wall in a dramatic pose.
[Attention: Player Arataki Itto has been eliminated.]
Everyone froze.
The difference in strength was absurd.
He couldn't even survive one hit.
"…Maybe we should join the Demon King's army?"
"Yeah, yeah! We surrender!"
Many players quickly raised their hands.
It wasn't their fault.
The enemy was just too strong.
"Sorry."
Silver Wolf grinned.
"We're not accepting recruits."
"You don't just get to join because you say so."
"It depends on whether we want you."
"Alright," Silver Wolf continued lazily.
"Let's finish this. I still need to visit other places."
"Sure."
"Perfect time to test my new spell."
The three Demon Generals stopped holding back.
Magic erupted everywhere.
Players between levels twenty and thirty had no chance of resisting.
Elimination notifications flooded the system.
[Attention: Player Kaeya has been eliminated.]
[Attention: Player Razor has been eliminated.]
[Attention: Player Billy has been eliminated.]
More than ten notifications appeared in rapid succession.
Players across the world were stunned.
What on earth had just happened?
How were so many players eliminated at once?
Had the Demon King's army already captured the main city?
Meanwhile, Paimon was still running toward the castle.
She was completely shocked.
How were these players so weak?
They couldn't even defeat a weakened Demon General?
Thankfully, there were no notifications about Ningguang or Black Swan being eliminated.
That made her feel a little relieved.
"Wait for me!"
"I'm coming to rescue you!"
She had already made up her mind.
Once she rescued Ningguang and Black Swan, they would run.
As for Silver Wolf…
She would spare her this time.
Paimon rushed into the main hall.
And immediately saw the three of them calmly standing there.
"…Huh?"
Something felt wrong.
Shouldn't Ningguang and Silver Wolf be fighting desperately?
Why were they standing so close together?
They even looked friendly.
"Oh, Paimon."
Ningguang smiled.
"You came back to save me?"
"Uh… yeah…"
"…Wait, what's going on?"
"Oh?"
"I joined the Demon King's army."
Seeing Paimon's stunned expression, Ningguang decided to tease her a bit more.
"They said if we capture you, they'll accept me immediately."
"So how about it?"
"For the sake of my promotion…"
"Why don't you sacrifice yourself for me, Paimon?"
Paimon froze.
The sky seemed to turn gray.
I didn't even abandon you guys…
And you're using me as your entry ticket?
Is that fair?
"Lumine!!!"
"Where are you!!!"
"I miss you!!!"
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