This scene was also witnessed by Rimuru, hidden in the shadows, and of course, by Takeru and Tsumugi, who had their Observation Haki active.
'Benimaru's magnanimity is immense. I must learn from him. I should also bestow a name upon him, as the new leader of the Orc tribe.' Observing this, Rimuru mused silently.
As for Takeru, he remained calm. Seeing matters completely and satisfactorily resolved, he exchanged a few words with Rimuru, then brought Tsumugi back to the Kingdom of Falmuth.
In the coming days, Takeru would seek out Clayman for a final reckoning. However, time was still relatively abundant. Takeru also needed to fulfill his promise: providing material and technical support to the Jura Forest Grand Alliance...
These matters did not require Takeru's direct involvement. He simply had Chelsea select a reliable team and recruit a group of adventurers to accompany Houndoom on the journey to the Jura Forest.
With the adventurers escorting them, they would reach their destination in approximately a week. For Takeru, this was not particularly critical, and entrusting it to capable individuals sufficed.
"Hey, hey, Takeru! When do we begin our operation?" Upon Takeru's return to the palace, Milim eagerly inquired.
"Why are you so impatient?" Seeing her eager demeanor, Takeru rolled his eyes.
"Because this is so exciting!" Hearing Takeru's words, Milim spoke excitedly.
"Clayman's subordinates usually gather near his castle, correct?" Hearing Milim's words, Takeru inquired.
"Well, probably?" Hearing Takeru's words, Milim hesitated. This was something she genuinely did not know.
"Never mind. These details are irrelevant. The selection of combatants for this expedition requires careful consideration." Looking at Milim, Takeru decided not to rely on her for such matters.
"Takeru-sama, I implore you, please permit me to accompany you!" Hearing Takeru's words, Diablo quickly interjected.
"Betty shall also fight!" Beatrice, who had been nearby, set down her magical tome and directly declared.
"Your Majesty Takeru, I too wish to personally encase Clayman in ice!" Esdeath below revealed a captivating, dangerous smile.
"We also request permission to fight!" Ram and Rem spoke in unison.
"And us, Takeru-nii! Our strength is now considerable!" Felt and the others also spoke excitedly.
"A Demon Lord... I wonder how his dispatch shall be." Akame, caressing her newly acquired long blade, spoke seriously.
Having learned that most moderately powerful monsters in this world possessed curse resistance, Akame had set aside her One-Hit Kill, Murasame, and replaced it with a magic ore long blade manifested by Takeru.
"Hehe, I wonder if these monsters can withstand my mana-enhanced cannon shells!" Mine, raising her Teigu, Pumpkin, spoke earnestly.
Since acquiring mana, she had been researching the integration of magic and her Teigu, and had achieved preliminary results.
Looking at everyone, Takeru nodded understandingly and rapidly selected the combatants for this offensive.
Takeru himself, followed by Diablo, Esdeath, Ram, Rem, Beatrice, Felt, Akame, Kurome, Leone, Mine, and Sheele.
The remaining Emilia, Karin, Miki, Chelsea, Salamence, and the Daemons Takeru had initially summoned were to remain in the Kingdom of Falmuth for defense.
Emilia and the others were initially displeased at being excluded. However, upon Takeru explaining that the kingdom's security was equally vital and their roles were irreplaceable, they reluctantly acquiesced.
With personnel decided, the attack would not commence immediately. Takeru instructed everyone to rest well.
The operation was set for two days hence. Ordinary soldiers were entirely unnecessary.
Takeru could have effortlessly slain Clayman single-handedly. However, he reconsidered: Clayman and his subordinates would serve as adequate training dummies.
Of course, Takeru harbored no high expectations. By his estimate, setting aside the formidable Diablo and Ram, even Rem and Esdeath already possessed power comparable to Clayman's pre-awakening state.
Having finalized the plans regarding Clayman, Takeru dispatched a clone to accompany Milim to Clayman's domain.
Thus, in two days, Takeru could directly employ teleportation magic to transport everyone to the enemy's stronghold, eliminating unnecessary travel time.
As for Takeru's main body, he briefly reviewed the kingdom's recent troubles, resolved them swiftly, then spent time playing and training with everyone in the palace.
Amidst these leisurely activities, two days quietly passed...
Today, after bidding everyone farewell, Takeru perceived the mark left by his clone and directly activated teleportation magic, enveloping the designated combatants. The next instant, they arrived in a bleak, desolate region.
Upon arrival, everyone swiftly assumed defensive stances.
Takeru briefly extended his perception, thoroughly surveying the surrounding area. Then, his mana surged. Utilizing a pre-established anchor point, he deployed an expansive barrier.
This barrier, besides isolating external contact, prevented teleportation within its confines and possessed formidable defensive capabilities.
As the barrier unfolded, Clayman, within his castle, sensed something amiss. Gazing at the peculiar pale blue barrier in the sky, an ominous premonition rose within him.
"Yamza, Mjurran! Investigate immediately! Determine what is happening! And coordinate with Adalmann to annihilate these invaders!" Having been infiltrated to his very doorstep without realization, Clayman's fury was futile. He rapidly commanded his subordinates.
"Yes!" Hearing Clayman's orders, Yamza and Mjurran knelt respectfully, nodded, and swiftly vanished from the castle.
Meanwhile, Takeru's group had materialized in the wasteland… precisely the territory guarded by Adalmann, the Index Finger.
Sensing the intrusion, Adalmann immediately mobilized. He commanded countless skeletal soldiers to surround Takeru and his company.
"That must be the boss of this undead legion." Sensing the immense mana within Adalmann, everyone's gaze immediately fixed upon the skeleton clad in pure white sacerdotal robes.
"Correct. He is Adalmann, the Index Finger, one of Clayman's Five Fingers." Seeing everyone's puzzled expressions, Takeru spoke calmly.
"Indeed. I am Adalmann, sovereign of the countless undead, the Death King. I serve the great Demon Lord Clayman and am charged with guarding this domain. Base invaders, meekly offer up your lives!" Looking at Takeru and the others, Adalmann spoke slowly.
"Ha! Merely an Index Finger, yet you dare address me thus!" Before Takeru or the others could respond, Milim bristled. Her immense oppressive aura bore down directly upon Adalmann.
"You... you are the Demon Lord Milim Nava! Why are you here?! Do you intend to violate the Demon Lords' non-aggression pact?!" Noticing Milim, Adalmann faltered, then spoke nervously.
"Milim, I told you. You are absolutely forbidden to fight this time." Amidst Adalmann's wariness, Takeru turned and spoke calmly to Milim.
"Y-yes, I... I know!" Meeting Takeru's amicable gaze, Milim shrank back.
Adalmann, observing this exchange between Takeru and Milim, was filled with confusion. He was certain he had never encountered Takeru before. Yet Takeru's relationship with Milim appeared far from simple.
"Very well. I shall observe this battle. Beatrice, Felt, Akame, Kurome, Leone, Mine, Sheele, and Tsumugi! This engagement is yours." Looking at the vast skeletal legion, including several seemingly formidable individuals, Takeru assigned Beatrice, Akame, and the others to the task.
"Leave it to me! Betty shall thoroughly chastise this insolent wretch!" Hearing Takeru assign her to battle, Beatrice closed her magical tome and stored it in her item slot.
Perhaps due to a habit nurtured over four hundred years in the Re:Zero World, whenever Takeru was absent, Beatrice was often found engrossed in her magical research… not merely magic, but also this world's knowledge and historical records.