Short Info:
The author resumed writing after a break of over two years. Funnily this chapter would have been the final public chapter, going by what I had planned and announced originally.
But alas, it shall not be. I’ll continue with Dunbat beyond the planned stopping point. Public release will stay in the format of approx. one chapter every two weeks. On Patreon the translation will continue in a weekly format for as long as the author keeps going this time around (currently the translation over there is at chapter 305).
Chapter 295 – The Beginning of a New Era
“This is a message to all humans of the Toyama Prefecture from me, Shion of the Aster Empire.”
The words I’m going to say next will be streamed to the whole world through Tusk’s drone that’s filming everything. Moreover, what’s been broadcast isn’t just the video we’ve prepared from our side. We’ve also confirmed that the human’s media has filmed the battle between us and Motoki and broadcast it over their own channels.
“You were able to see the outcome of the battle between our country and Demon King Motoki’s forces, weren’t you? From now on the Aster Empire is going to usurp all of Demon King Motoki’s domains. I informed you earlier, but if anyone should get in our way, we’ll eradicate them at maximum priority. So, what’s going to happen if no one interferes with us? The answer is obvious. We will move on to gain total contral of all remaining land in the Toyama Prefecture.”
I confront the humans of Toyama with an actual declaration of war.
“I’m looking forward to meet all of you on the next battlefields! …is what I’d like to say, but if possible, I’d like you to lend an ear to me.” I breathe in deeply, “How do you humans ― the members of Law ― perceive us Demon Kings of Chaos? As foreign invaders who suddenly invaded your world? No! I think many of you already know, but us Demon Kings used to be humans, just like you. And exactly because we used to be humans, I believe it’s possible for us to understand each other ― to talk with one another ― like this. At times we might fight each other because of conflicting interests… no, if I had to be precise, we have no choice but to fight each other.”
I unintentionally end up smiling wryly at my own words.
“We can understand each other’s intents and wishes. In that case, it should be possible to communicate with means other than battle, right? I have founded a country called Aster Empire. Well, the Japanese government likely doesn’t approve of it, though. Either way, let me ask you a single question now and here: Why do you think I founded a country?”
There’s a meaning to my words, right? I continue talking while driven by anxiety.
“Do you think I founded a country on a whim to show off? That’s certainly not the case! I established a country to compromise with you humans! All the humans, who surrendered to the Aster Empire, are safe and lead a wholesome life.”
Once I snap my fingers, the stream switches from me to the residential area within my Domain.
“I’ve listened to the request of the humans who surrendered ― my citizens ― and built schools inside my Domain. Right now it’s centered around agriculture, but I’ve also prepared an environment allowing people to work. I have assured those, who hate strife, that we won’t force them on the battlefield, and we haven’t treated them inhumanely in any way. You ask why? It’s because the Aster Empire is a nation!”
Upon another snap of my fingers, the stream switches back to me.
“Ladies and gentlemen of Toyama, what’s going to happen to you if you fight against our Aster Empire? I believe it has become clear if you’ve seen the fate of Demon King Motoki who fought against you on equal footing. Thus I recommend you as Shion, the ruler of the Aster Empire: Surrender! I’ll give you a grace period of one week. Be aware, I’m one of those rulers who prepares his country for turbulent times, so even if you refuse for argument’s sake, I’ll be willing to make the most heartless decisions for the sake of protecting my people.” I announce once more after getting my breathing in order for a short moment.
We’ve overrun Motoki’s forces with crushing might for this sake.
“Once again, the grace period will last one week. If you have hardened your resolve to surrender as whole prefecture, come to Tateyama Fortress within one week. Anyone wishing to surrender as an individual level, come to my Domain after disarming yourself! And let me pronounce this at the very end: If there’s no response whatsoever after one week…I’ll take it as a breakdown in negotiations. I hope that you’ll choose wisely.”
When I lift my hand after saying everything I wanted to say, the red lamp of the drone turns off.
Okay, I think I’ve done all I could. All that’s left now is to calmly wait for the answer of the humans in Toyama.
Exhausted from making such a speech which I’m not used to, I return to my Domain.
◆
Seven days after the death of Motoki.
Representatives of Toyama’s humans came forward with a capitulation.
One month after this, the Aster Empire has finished taking control of the entire Toyama Prefecture.
It’s unclear whether it’s been an effect of my speech last month, but all influential Demon Kings in Japan, beginning with the Thirteen Evil Stars, have successively proclaimed their independence as countries.
And then, one year later, all smaller Demon Kings and organizations in Japan had been absorbed or annihilated. This spelled the advent of an era where few powerful entities, be it the countries founded by mighty Demon Kings or human groups with countless high-level humans, vied for supremacy.
“What’s the situation in Japan?”
“There are still some smaller skirmishes, but no big wars are going on anymore,” Kanon answered my question.
“How are our people faring?”
“Some are complaining about a lack of entertainment, but generally everyone seems to be satisfied,” Mrs. Tamura answered.
“What’s the state of our defenses?”
“Let’s see…no large-scale invasions have occurred during the last month, so our forces are somewhat bored,” Yataro replied.
“Is the leveling proceeding smoothly?”
“All of Niigata has fallen in the hands of the humans, but we’ve found some nice farms in the Nagano Prefecture,” answered Rina.
Today is the day of our regular, monthly meeting.
“All of you, keep growing and evolving without ever being contend with what you’ve already achieved.”
I desired freedom, chaos ―― and creation on that day. After getting through various difficulties, I founded Aster Empire ― the country for the sake of fulfilling my ideals. I’ll survive this world. For the sake of enjoying a free life.
I aim to be come the strongest Demon King on this land ―― 『Japan』.
Author’s Notes:
Thank you for reading thus far. This spells the completion of the first part of Dunbat. I already have ideas for the second part (I plan to focus on wars between countries more than I’ve done so far), but…I’ll stop releasing new chapters for a while.
Since there are various matters I’d like to consider first, I ask you for your understanding…even if it might inconvenience you, the readers, in some way. m(_ _)m
T/N: Read the Short Info at the top
Translation Notes:
The sourc𝗲 of this content is free(w)ebnov(𝒆)l