At this moment, Sylvia also leaned closer to her brother.
"But he's really amazing, isn't he? Father's younger brother is one of the Thirteen Crowns."
"Yes! Although he doesn't seem to be a biological brother, he doesn't resemble him at all… Oh, right, this is something Shesi asked me to give you… Sylvia… You can choose to refuse; you don't have to accept it just because it's from your brother…"
At this moment,
"What are you talking about, Brother!" Sylvia looked at her brother, puzzled.
"Hey, Sabro, you haven't gone to see big brother, have you? It just so happens… I'm going to see him, so let's go together."
"Uh… I… No need."
"Yes, yes, go on, Brother. It's rare for so many family members to be gathered together," Sylvia said, putting away the item and then pushing her brother.
The four of them arrived in front of a huge room. This was their father's forge, where many famous weapons were born. The ceiling was covered with hanging weapons, and anyone with an eye for quality could tell at a glance that each weapon was renowned, though it seemed… they were all somewhat damaged.
"It's been many years since we last met… Sabrozzan, you're in there, aren't you? Open the door. Sabro is here too," Baal said to the door.
The sound of hammering inside abruptly stopped.
"Sabro?"
Sabro let out a sigh at the sight.
"I… am back."
"Is that so…"
Silence then returned.
"Huh? That's it? It's rare for Brother to come back; aren't you going to say more?"
"Alright, let's go, Sylvia," Sabro turned and walked away.
"Sabro…"
"Hmm?"
"You cannot become the Demon King."
Thud, the sound of a head hitting the door.
"Is that all you wanted to say?… I'll be taking my leave." His clenched fist seemed to be holding something back.
At this moment, a voice continued from behind the door.
"Baal, come back later."
"…Alright."
In the living room,
Baal watched Sabro sit down in the chair opposite him.
"Your relationship with big brother seems to be the same as ever…"
"…I'm sorry you had to see that…"
"Sabro, I fully support you, you know. You haven't done anything wrong. If I could make you the Demon King, what would you do, Sabro?" Baal asked, looking at Sabro.
"Hmm?"
"If you have that kind of resolve, then drop out of Babyls and follow me."
"The 'TS Project' to cultivate the next Demon King was proposed at the 'Thirteen Crowns' Assembly' held recently. There are currently four Demon King candidates: Belial's grandson, Reisberry; Madam Levi's grandson, Lead; and Sullivan's two grandsons, Shesi and Iruma. From your expression, it seems you don't know… The interesting part of the 'TS Project' is that all Thirteen Crowns have the right to recommend candidates. Next, the candidates chosen by the Thirteen Crowns will begin their campaign."
Baal watched Sabro fall into thought, a smile playing on his lips.
"I will be your backer. The 'Strategist of the Southern Cliff' is not an empty title, you know. Let's defeat the other candidates together, and then you will be the next Demon King."
"So…",
"Hmm?"
"So, their family name is Sali? It seems I've always just called them by their first names."
"Huh?" Baal frowned, looking at his nephew. What was he talking about?
"Ah, my apologies… I was thinking about other things. And if I were to follow Uncle's suggestion… wouldn't that be uncool? Hmm… Actually, if it's cool, it's fine, but if I became the Demon King that way, the biography would probably record it like this: 'The Male Demon who became Demon King through his Uncle's recommendation.' Hmm… that doesn't sound very good."
Baal frowned at these words.
"Sabro, how many demons in the demon world do you think want to be the Demon King, and how many can get the recommendation of the Thirteen Crowns? If you can achieve your ambition, do you still care about being cool?"
At this moment, what Baal didn't understand was that the reason Sabro wanted to become the Demon King was… because the Demon King was the coolest!
"Is this really the time to care about such superficial things? Those guys are all eyeing the Demon King's throne, leveraging the prestige of the old masters. Your rivals, Shesi and Iruma, are also doing the same. While you stand still, they are constantly climbing. Is it really okay for them to get ahead of you? A miss is as good as a mile, you know," Baal said, looking at Sabro.
"No, those two guys are not the type to borrow other people's strength. Iruma aside, his backbone and straightforwardness are things I admire. As for Shesi… although that guy likes to use a little cleverness, I can see his own pride in his eyes and on him… Although Uncle's advice is invaluable, it's a shortcut to the Demon King, but I am not interested in that path," Sabro said, looking seriously at Baal.
"Because, at Babyls, I have exciting rivals and dear friends… and friends. Besides, I haven't made a name for myself at the demon school yet. I must have a fair and square showdown at Babyls."
Baal looked at Sabro.
"So, in short, your goal is to become the Demon King by following your own preferred path? Alright… It would be pointless to say more. However, you should still meet with the other Thirteen Crowns; that much is acceptable, isn't it?"
"Yes! Please do arrange it for me," Sabro said, not refusing his uncle.
Bang!
The door was pushed open forcefully.
"Brother! Dinner's ready! Come eat!"
"Oh, Uncle… Huh?" Sabro turned around to find that his uncle, who had been sitting there, was gone. Meanwhile, inside the forge room from earlier,
"Are you done with your business? I've finished my work too. Don't come near my family again… Don't come near Sabro again, Baal," Sabrozzan turned to Baal and said sternly.
"Yes~ Thank you for your craftsmanship. I'm quite satisfied just getting this," Baal said, picking up the long spear handed to him, glancing at it, and then turning to leave.
However, as soon as Baal stepped out the door, he smiled.
"Big brother… truly, like father, like son…"
Time passed quickly, and it was evening. Back in her room, Sylvia solemnly took out the envelope and paper her brother had given her and placed them on the table… Sylvia swallowed, opened the envelope, and found three pieces of paper? Had he written so much?
Then she picked up one.
"Hello, Uncle? It doesn't seem to be…"
"Weapon? No."
"Here it is, here it is, Miss Sylvia…"
Sylvia began to read, and then she discovered… although it was an envelope for her, it seemed… it was only meant for her to pass on to her father.
Sylvia rolled her eyes; she had actually panicked a little after hearing her brother's guess… Then she picked up the blueprint that had been sent along with it.
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