Hiding A Logistics Center In The Apocalypse - Chapter 81

Chapter 81: Demons and Holy Knights (2)

TL/ED – Miso

Ziiiik…….

Zzzt…….

A document being printed from the logistics operations room printer.

It was none other than an official notice from the Chamber of Commerce regarding the war with Fermegon.

“So, it’s finally coming out.”

The news had already been delivered.

Before long, the demons of Europe would invade Korea.

However, details regarding specific locations and rules had not been clearly conveyed. This additional notice had been issued to inform about those specifics.

The method itself was not much different from before.

A declaration of war would be made, and the side that killed the assigned “representative” first would be the victor.

However…….

“The representative of Korea…….”

[Korean Representative: Kim Jeong-gyeom]

Unlike the previous skirmishes in Busan and Fukuoka, this had now become a full-scale national-level battle.

Moreover, since the opponent had unified Europe, it might even be considered a war between a continent and a nation.

The orders issued to the Japan branch stated that a declaration of war would be made in a few days, and at that time, a hologram was to be assigned to Kim Jeong-gyeom.

Of course…….

“I just won’t do it.”

Why would I willingly wear a name tag on my head for someone else’s benefit?

Whether it was indifference or something else, the Chamber of Commerce still seemed unaware that the entire Japan branch had vanished.

Considering they were still sending official documents like this.

The timing and the method of battle had been confirmed.

The only thing left was the location of the gate portal that would be set up in Korea.

Surprisingly, it wasn’t too far away.

“Bukhansan, huh…….”

The criteria for selecting the location were obvious.

To win this war, they had to capture me.

And I had once been the Seoul representative chosen by the Chamber of Commerce.

Seeing that they specifically opened the gate in Seoul, where I was expected to be, it was clear that the Chamber of Commerce was subtly siding with Fermegon.

“Well…….”

It was only natural.

Korea was the region that had grown the most on Earth.

At the same time, Korea was also the region that paid the least in fees.

For the profit-driven Chamber of Commerce, this was an inevitable choice.

“Whatever the case, evacuation comes first.”

There was no doubt that a large-scale battle was expected.

Even though it was Mount Bukhansan, it would be problematic if civilians in the surrounding areas got caught up in the fight.

Fortunately, evacuation wouldn’t be difficult.

With Portal Transport, they could simply be moved to another portal.

And there was already a spacious location prepared for their evacuation.

“Elvenheim is really useful in times like this.”

Even though it was considered relatively small, a continent was still a continent.

Apart from the World Tree covering the entire land, there was plenty of empty space.

As long as it was properly controlled, there would be no major issues even if tens of thousands of refugees were relocated there.

“They’ll have to eat only vegetable bibimbap for a while…… well, better than dying.”

Awakened individuals were continuously emerging even now.

The more survivors there were, the more opportunities Earth had to grow stronger.

Saving people was something that held significant meaning for PAX FC in many ways.

“Well then…….”

The assistance of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was absolutely necessary.

Evacuating tens of thousands of people required large-scale personnel control.

“Understood. I’ll relay the details to the nearby units as well.”

Since our goals aligned, Yoo Seong-cheol readily accepted the request.

.

.

.

After finishing my conversation with Yoo Seong-cheol, I summoned Lancelot.

The request was simple.

To escort the procession of civilians evacuating to Elvenheim.

Since they might encounter hidden monsters along the way, or because the movement of so many people could lead to disturbances, an escort was necessary.

“Leave it to me.”

Lancelot responded with his usual loyalty.

However, there was an inexplicable shadow in his voice.

I added,

“……This time, the opponent is a bit troublesome.”

“Of course. It’s just…… I regret that my abilities cannot assist my lord.”

The Knights of Camelot, whose very existence was that of the undead.

With the help of the Elf Elders, they had been freed from the torment of constant itching, but that did not mean their fundamental nature had changed.

“That’s right. If only it weren’t for the holy weapons…….”

Enhanced holy weapons.

They were essential for fighting the Demon Race, but for the Skeleton Knights, the holy energy within them was like deadly poison.

It was difficult for them to even hold or lift one. Worse, even grazing against a Holy Spear thrown by an ally meant they had to brace for severe damage.

As a result, this time, the Knights of Camelot had no choice but to be considered outside the main force.

‘……If only the World Tree had grown a little faster.’

A fully matured World Tree and skilled Druids.

That was the condition the Elf Elders had mentioned regarding the revival of the knights.

After matters in the United States had settled, I had asked the Druids if they could restore the Knights of Camelot…….

-It needs to grow more. It’s still not enough.

The only answer I received was that the growth of the World Tree planted in Camelot was insufficient.

Camelot had been repeatedly subjected to cycles of “exploitation” and release, forcing the World Tree to endure maximum trials.

It was indeed growing several times faster than normal, but it still lacked the power to grant new flesh to the bones of the undead.

Yet, what was even more disheartening…….

“Just wait a little longer. I will definitely bring you back to life.”

“It’s all right, my lord…….”

The Knights of Camelot did not believe in the possibility of their resurrection.

“We know better than anyone that our lives have already passed. We would never take your will lightly, my lord…… but it is merely a faint possibility. And I fear that small possibility might, in turn, consume you.”

He understood.

That faint hope could eat away at a person, and a failed possibility always came with an immense cost.

Clank, clank.

Lancelot began moving, following the order to escort the refugees.

With each step, his cursed armor rattled.

“If I can wield my sword for my lord, that alone is enough. We have already accomplished so much.”

Lancelot added those words.

***

With only an hour left before the formation of the gate portal to Korea,

“……It’s finally beginning.”

Flap.

The demon Fermegon, spreading large wings behind his pitch-black body, opened his mouth.

Standing before him, a man had his back turned.

A neatly tailored suit exuding sharpness.

And slicked-back white hair, hinting at years of experience.

The man’s name was Stanley.

None other than the European Branch Chief of the Chamber of Commerce.

“Your assistance was truly invaluable, Branch Chief. It was quite a struggle at first…….”

Fermegon felt a deep sense of appreciation.

With Stanley’s covert support, he had risen as the sole ruler of Europe, outpacing dozens of other dimensions.

Of course, his rule was still limited to Western Europe, and certain regions like Ireland had yet to be fully conquered……

But Stanley had skillfully twisted the regulations to officially declare Fermegon as the victor.

“Oh, it was nothing. You did an excellent job yourself, Fermegon.”

Only then did Stanley slowly turn around.

As if acknowledging that Fermegon was indeed worthy, he added,

“The way you utilized the Gargoyles was particularly impressive.”

Petrification Gargoyles.

That was the key to Fermegon’s conquest of Europe.

The nimble Gargoyles swiftly infiltrated enemy lines,

And using their unique construction abilities, they rapidly erected fortresses right in the heart of enemy territories to serve as nests.

For Fermegon, this meant having a solid forward base in every battle.

As Fermegon rapidly expanded his forces, the Awakened of Europe, accustomed to modern warfare, crumbled just as quickly.

As a result…….

Thousands of castles were newly built across Europe.

At first glance, the scene resembled majestic medieval ruins. However, in reality, they were nothing more than prison camps meant to confine captives.

And…….

There was a specific reason why they kept these Earthlings alive.

“……Now, all that’s left is to properly complete this ‘Sisyphus’.”

“That’s right.”

Before them stood a massive, thick disc-shaped structure.

It looked somewhat like a tilted cake or a precariously leaning hamster wheel.

The mechanism was simple.

Humans would be thrown into the entrance and forced to navigate the slanted labyrinth inside.

At the same time, they would be immersed in the illusions provided by Sisyphus.

However, just as they reached the end of the maze and grasped their deepest desires…….

Whoosh!

The disc would rapidly spin, sending them tumbling back to the starting point.

Through this endless cycle of hope and despair, their minds would be driven into the depths of ruin.

And…….

When that process was repeated indefinitely, what emerged was no longer human.

“With this many vengeful spirits, it might be worth making an offer to Barnaul.”

“My heart is already racing. Becoming a subcontractor for Barnaul…….”

Vengeful spirits, or by another name, wraiths.

That was what Fermegon sought to extract from humans.

More precisely, he intended to amass these spirits and sell them to Barnaul, the dimension of warlocks.

And all of this…….

“If not for you, Branch Chief…… Fermegon might have remained a mere minor-dimension entity for eternity.”

It was none other than Stanley’s plan.

The declaration of war against Korea was no different.

The quality of a vengeful spirit was proportional to the strength of the Awakened individual it came from.

And right now, Korea had the highest concentration of high-quality vengeful spirits on Earth.

And yet…….

Fermegon remained unaware of the deeper intentions of the Branch Chief.

‘……That much is necessary to draw in Barnaul.’

Stanley swallowed his words alone.

Glancing alternately at the two wristwatches on his arms, he spoke.

“Well, would you look at that? It’s already time.”

“Yes, I’ll get ready.”

The demon, Fermegon, polished his horns and added,

“Let’s go. To Korea.”

***

Before the gate portal leading to Korea,

Prrrrrrr……

Prrrkkk!

Thousands of Gargoyles filled the sky, flapping their wings.

Each one clutched a massive armful of bricks.

The plan was to encircle Bukhansan with fortress walls the moment they passed through the portal.

Even if they were attacked midway, they could petrify themselves, solidifying both their bodies and the fortress for protection.

-Kakakakakakaka…….

-Kakakakak!

Excited at the thought of constructing castles and tearing humans apart from the skies, the Gargoyles eagerly surrounded the gate portal.

Holding their breath, they awaited Fermegon’s signal.

And then, before long…….

-Go!

-Kaaaaaaaah!!!

-Kaaaaaak!!

With ear-piercing screams, the Gargoyles shot through the portal.

Shooong!

Shoong!

“Now then…….”

Fermegon immediately sent out an Eyeball Demon to observe the situation.

The gate portal quivered as it spewed out the Gargoyles arriving from Europe.

Scattering to their designated positions, the Gargoyles immediately began their work…….

Pabababak!

Pababak!

They rapidly started constructing the fortress.

As the low-built walls began to connect with each other…….

-Kaaaah!?

“……What?”

Kwaaaaang!

Crash!

A massive battle hammer flew in, smashing through the fortress wall and taking the Gargoyle’s head along with it.

“……What the hell just happened?”

Fermegon, startled, rubbed his eyes in disbelief.

Even if they had been caught off guard, these were Gargoyles reinforced with petrification.

Yet one of them had been destroyed in a single blow—it was incomprehensible.

But then…….

“Delivery’s here! Please open the door!”

Bang!

Crash!

The destruction wrought by the PAX Men wielding hammers continued.

Bang!

Crack!

Snap!

As fast as the Gargoyles constructed their fortress, enormous hammers rained down, smashing everything to pieces.

Even reinforcing their durability through petrification made little difference.

“Everyone, gather up! If we’re spread out, we’ll get picked off one by one! Stay close and make the perimeter smaller!”

Following Fermegon’s orders, the Gargoyles swiftly clustered into a tighter formation.

They began hastily building a more compact inner fortress, but then…….

Tudududududu!

An ear-splitting roar filled the air, casting a looming shadow.

“……?”

The Eyeball Demon turned its gaze skyward.

A helicopter hovered in place, its rotors slicing through the air.

And from it…….

“……?”

“……?”

Thud!

Boom!

Holy knights started dropping.

Dozens, no, hundreds.

Perhaps even more than that.