Solomon's Defeat

"Proposed by Vassago. The first question is why that detestable god wants us to defeat the Beast of Revelation. It is not Ophis or Great Red; why the Beast of Revelation, and why seal it? It appears to involve unnecessary efforts.

"Presented by Marbas. Initially, it was speculated that it was to prevent other mythologies from knowing about the resurrection plan. However, if this hypothesis is correct, it would contradict our previous actions.

"Supplemented by Orobas. If we can restore ourselves and Kingu through the 'System,' then theoretically, we should be able to recover the energy needed for the god's resurrection in about a hundred to three hundred years. Given the current cold war situation between modern mythologies, there is no justification for risking interference from another world.

"Considered by Allocer. There was a motive for the God of the Bible to have the Supreme Council fight the Beast of Revelation. The purpose of the One True God is not merely resurrection. The reason for having us do this is not just to recover energy for resurrection.

"Speculated by Malphas. We have reversed our perspective. The crucial aspect may not be 'us,' but rather the '666.' In other words, that God may have a reason to defeat the Beast of Revelation or gain some benefits by doing so.

"Recalled by Agares. The most critical threat to all mythologies exists in this world. The 'Truth' spell that our Solomon has constructed. Naturally, for that misguided definition of a God, it must be a bothersome obstacle.

"Concluded by Baal. The true identity of the Beast of Revelation in this world is, in fact, us.

"Explained by Gamigin. In other words, that beast is the 'Truth' spell—"

"Urgent Contact from Sabnock. Vali Lucifer, who was detained in the Life Institute, has escaped."

***

The aura of the knight with the lion-headed helm explosively—or more precisely, doubled in size. Then, the tip of the spear was directed towards the Crimson Satan, Sirzechs.

"Growing on the ground, building cities, crossing the seas, and soaring through the skies. For what purpose...? Holy Spear, reveal the end!"

This was the pillar of light that tied together the surface of the world, the Storm Anchor.

"Shine at the farthest end, Spear Rhongomyniad!"

The one who reacted the fastest, closely entwined with the situation, was none other than Kingu. If he were alone, he might have chosen to stand aside and observe, but Yasaka was here. To ensure her safety, there was no choice but to engage in combat.

"Here, I shall show the chest of Heaven's Chain! Now, awaken the breath of the stars—"

This was the mighty spear that stopped the world with its powerful strikes, Heaven's Chain.

"O people, bind the gods! Enuma Elish!"

The collision of forces within the bounded field that Solomon had declared could destroy everything except beings with divine essence. Clearly, a clash of such intensity between these two Noble Phantasms proved too much for the temple within the bounded field, leaving it in a pitiful state. Nevertheless, it retained its original form, and the deployment of the bounded field itself did not seem to be affected—clearly, an abnormal situation.

In this clash, only Kingu suffered damage.

"Playing the part of a mixed goddess!"

Instead of neutralizing his attack, the slightly overwhelmed Kingu cursed without hiding his discomfort. On the other hand, the Lion King maintained a composed demeanor on the surface.

"As expected of the strongest divine construct. Doubling the power might not be enough. Let's try four times next—"

The moment the Lion Knight once again poised his spear...

—A sharp sound like glass shattering filled the air, and a "demon" appeared.

"Ddraig!"

Issuing a strange sound that resembled words, it had an appearance that could only be described as demonic. It was close to the form of a dragon overall, with its body resembling armor rather than skin, and it was pure white. Its claws were abnormally long, and its visible fangs were sharp. From its back extended jet-black demonic wings.

"Ddraig Ddraig Ddraig Ddraig Ddraig Ddraig! Y Ddraig Goch!"

Without paying attention to anyone else, the demon rushed at the Lion Knight. Even with Azazel, a war veteran, the speed of its attack was barely followable, characterized by erratic and unpredictable movements. However, the knight responded to it naturally. He deflected the demon's thrust with his divine spear. Despite the counterattack, the devil's assault did not relent.

"This aura... Could it be Albion!"

While exchanging attacks, the Lion Knight realized the true identity of the devil. Deep inside, she couldn't help but mock how much they had both changed, but she shifted her focus. Deciding to conclude the red and white clash here, she considered the white devil as well.

Meanwhile, Solomon was confused by the unexpected turn of events and even more enraged. Kingu's interference was within the planned scope, but the appearance of the white devil was an unforeseen event, not part of the plan.

"What the... What is this bizarre creature?! Did it just break through space!? Your arrival was not part of the plan. This kind of thing was never mentioned in Archer's story..."

"I found an opening!"

While Solomon was busy adjusting the disrupted plan, Azazel closed in on him in an instant. A lance of light materialized in Azazel's hand, naturally aimed at Solomon.

"With all the command spells that reside in me, I command all Servants who have pledged allegiance to my contract."

Solomon was summoning his Seven Servants from the other side. Furthermore, he inscribed the command spells, the red tattoos that granted absolute authority over the Servants, onto his own body. Instead of the usual three strokes per Servant, he carved a total of forty-two strokes. Despite having already used about ten strokes, the remaining command spells covered his entire body. He intended to use them all for a single command.

"Now, leave it to me!"

All of Solomon's command spells disappeared, and Azazel's lance of light pierced deeply into his abdomen.

The Lion King recognized the situation but didn't look at Solomon. It wasn't because he was facing the strongest satan, the strongest weapon, and the white devil—his actions were meaningless. Despite the unexpected events, this ending was mostly according to his plan.

"Gufu..."

"I let my guard down, Solomon. Did you do something in the end... to no avail?"

"I-I suppose so..."

Even if Solomon was mentally dominated by Kingu, his body still belonged to Creuserey Asmodius. In other words, his weaknesses as a devilremained the same. There was no way he could survive a strike from Azazel, a fallen angel of such magnitude. The light corroded his entire body like a poison, slowly robbing him of his life.

Azazel grabbed Solomon's collar with the hand that wasn't holding the spear and lifted him up.

"Tell me before you die, Solomon. What were you aiming for?"

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"You deceived not only the God of the Bible but also gods all over the world, constructing something called the 'Truth.' We couldn't comprehend it. It diminished your place in history. Unlike your father, the modern church thinks you fell into hell. In reality, you've gone further than that. But that wasn't something meant for you. Yet, a man like you who acts according to your desires and malice, you didn't create that for yourself."

For what purpose did this man hold so much anger and desire?

"For what did you create it? What did you want to achieve with the 'Truth'? What were you aiming for?"

"...What was it? I didn't know. I thought I knew, but..."

Solomon disclosed his motivations. The driving force that had spurred him on, the emotion that had become the pillar of his anger.

"For the sake of my country, perhaps for the sake of humanity."

"—Huh?"

"I am a king. Is there a need for any other reason for a king to act as a king? I couldn't tolerate you all running amok in my country, plundering, violating, destroying, killing, and corrupting everything. That's why I killed you. I devised means to annihilate you. Isn't defense a natural act? It's love, love. It's patriotism and love for humanity that drove me."

Azazel's face was filled with anger.

"Just for that? You did all of this just for that? To protect your country, you say? How many devils and fallen angels did you kill? How many lifetimes did you distort? How many lives did you ruin? For your selfish desires, how many humans did you involve and sacrifice? Taking lives, giving death, getting angry and laughing arbitrarily, resurrecting and then disrupting the world even more. What do you want to achieve? What do you want to protect your country from? What do you want for humanity? Why don't you realize that it was your own actions that disturbed the future of humankind? You're insane. Your thoughts are flawed. Even if it's natural to have the desire to protect your country, you went too far! "

"Oh, what do they call it nowadays? Frisbee?"

"Don't mess around!"

Azazel punched Solomon in the face.

"It hurts, you know. But I'll reach my true feelings..."

Seeing Solomon's smile, Azazel shuddered.

It wasn't the usual way Solomon laughed. For the first time, Azazel saw the face of a man who had lost all anger. His smile lacked fury, his soul bore no rage. Nevertheless, this expression was far from the situation at hand. The King of Magic, who was said to know nothing but anger, was laughing with genuine amusement from the depths of his heart.

"It's too late, Azazel. About two thousand years too late."

Azazel hurried to release his spear of light, but it was too late. He should have realized three thousand years ago that this man would revel in this situation. Two thousand years ago might have been a chance to stop him, but now it was too late.

Solomon gazed towards the sky. He hadn't given up. He wasn't passively accepting death. In the skies of his mental landscape, a giant magic circle was unfolding.

And from that massive magic circle, a huge "something" fell. It was so enormous that it was impossible to grasp its full shape. From directly below, only its beast-like form was barely discernible.

"What is that...?!"

Astounded, Azazel turned his head. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Solomon activated his magic.

"Ah, I wanted to see you, the incarnation of my Truth. The beast born from my achievements and sins. Let me give you my first love!"

Solomon's magic power overflowed from his hand, and a brass urn materialized in front of him.

"Forbidden Secret of Babylon, S.E.R.A.P.H!"

Automatically, the lid of the urn opened, and the enormous "something" falling from the sky was drawn inside. The sight was reminiscent of the red gourd from "Journey to the West."

In an instant, the gigantic shadow fit inside the small urn, and the lid closed automatically. Before Azazel could reach the urn, Solomon had already deployed a magic circle and threw the urn inside.

"Solomon, what the hell did you do?! That's not your magic circle. It's the God of the Bible's! Did you interfere with the 'System' or something?!"

"I simply reclaimed my child, whom your god had imprisoned."

"Your child?"

"Yes. Among all my achievements, the only one I regret... well... I never expected something like that to be born. In the end, being cunning is essential. I should have called Archer... I'm different from 'him,' so I wanted to do this in my final moments... Ah, it's too much... I'm sorry, Creuserey..."

With those words, Solomon—or rather, Creuserey Asmodius—ceased to move.

***

"Rizevim Livan Lucifer checked the clock and confirmed that the 'promised time' had arrived. Suppressing the overflowing emotions from showing on his expression, he put on a calm demeanor.

"So, what's this urgent matter, Grayfia-chan?"

With a nonchalant and playful attitude, Grayfia frowned. She disliked this man. Despite being in a relationship of betrayal and being betrayed, he seemed completely indifferent to it. However,

"It seems Solomon has died."

Upon hearing the report from Grayfia, Rizevim listened with the curiosity of a child looking at a picture book.

"That's the situation. Creuserey Asmodius's body also disappeared due to Azazel-sama's light. The rings were destroyed by Sirzechs-sama."

"Huh, they destroyed the rings? But I thought they were necessary for the resurrection of the God of the Bible. Well, nine should be enough to deal with it, right?"

Grayfia found Lizevim's words puzzling.

"Well, yes, but don't you think they're no longer needed? The revival of that god was Solomon's last countermeasure. Now that Solomon is gone, the revival of the God of the Bible would lead to the annihilation of the biblical faction in the modern era."

"True, there's no reason for us or the fallen angels to continue. But it's different for the angels. They won't stop. They won't stop trying to resurrect the God of the Bible. It's what they've been searching for all along, you know?"

The disturbance spread not only to Grayfia but also to the demons who had been monitoring Rizevim and the Lucifer's followers who were accompanying Grayfia.

"T-That's ridiculous! The angels made a pact with the devils and the fallen angels while God was absent! Now that the threat of Solomon is gone, if the angels revive their god, they themselves will be killed! The revival of the God of the Bible was just a pretext to counter Solomon!"

"You don't understand at all. That's why the generation that doesn't know the beginning is like this. Grayfia-chan, you only fought against your kin in the civil war, right? You haven't really felt it. The demons who made a devil their ruler and the angels who concealed God's death have different values. Let's realize that the devils who made a demon lord their leader and the angels who concealed God's death have different values."

The son of Satan spoke of the angels he knew.

"The angels will continue. They will resurrect the God of the Bible, even if they have to face their own judgment. Their values are different from those of humans and demons. Just as humans and demons are different, angels and demons are also different."

And he presented the truth they were denying.

"Well, from my perspective, the idea of Solomon's death is just a convenient delusion!"

***

His class was inherited by the second death.

The king known only for his rage, a false alias. He was a great disaster that believed in no humans and forcefully acquired human history.

His name is Beast D/R. One of the evils of humanity on this planet, a beast with the principle of "hope."

Abandoning reason, he clung to baseless desires and delusions. That was Solomon's beastly nature