The practice of displaying power to the other Demon Kings is no different from a direct challenge. No one has done this before, even though the Demon Kings may have a weak bond amongst each other, at least they are allies standing on the same front. Since they are allies, there is no need to turn their blades against each other. This was the consensus reached by Lucia and the other demons.
However, Lucifer did not accept this fact. He felt that the other six Demon Kings were merely temporary companions, and depending on the situation, these short-lived companions could easily become his targeted enemies. Lucifer released his power earlier to serve as a warning to the four present: "I am confident enough to take all of you on at the same time, but I prefer not to do so yet!" Lucifer's intention was clear.
When it became apparent that the targets were unwilling to engage, Lucifer turned his back to the other demons, preparing for what was to come. At that moment, Lucia keenly sensed something and couldn't help but murmur, "No! I seem to have crossed paths with the 'Sin of Pride' before, when was that?" Lucia felt a familiar aura emanating from the annoying individual in front of her, something beyond a mere passing encounter – she was sure that she had at least briefly interacted with this person.
Similarly, the other three Demon Kings also felt the connection between the two individuals, not only due to their similar names but also because they shared the same surname. If Wang Xiaole were present, he would recall that Lucia's surname wasn't "Lu" but "Phil"; and the full name of the 'Sin of Pride' was Lucifer Phil. The three couldn't help but wonder: could these two be related in some way?
As various thoughts raced through their minds, Lucifer's right hand's five fingers spread open. A few glimmers appeared and twinkled at the tips of Lucifer's fingers, resembling small fireworks igniting and floating towards a nearby wall. The glimmers then traced real, tangible patterns on the wall, carving out sparks and disappearing upon contact with the ground. Lucifer's palm remained motionless, with only the root of the fingers rotating deftly. At that moment, the extended glimmers seemed to resonate like plucked strings on a harp, emitting faint sounds. Gradually, the outlined patterns on the wall took shape, vaguely resembling a map. As the strokes varied in intensity, different regions began to emerge vividly, providing a clear view of the continent divided into five plates.
Even with a casual glance, the vastness of the central plate was evident. At the current time, the strongest country on the Northern Continent, dominating almost the entire region, was the SuAeo Empire. In the East, West, and North, territories were held by various powers, with the Inran Empire, where Yachixue resided, exerting significant influence over the Eastern continent. The Inran Empire commanded a vast landmass, with approximately 7.64 million square kilometers and a population of around 200 million.
The smallest in terms of area among the four major nations, Dibiles, held an indisputable position in the West, occupying the best lands in the region, while the Blood and Beastkin races resided in the northern and southern parts of the region, respectively. The Southern Continent ceased to exist after a great battle between the Sea Clans and humans, sinking into the depths of the ocean, now inhabited by the Sea Clans with some islands serving as their territories. Dragons were scattered throughout the land, sparsely populated in various regions. The Papal Empire held a relatively small territory but wielded substantial influence due to their stance against the Demon Races. The vastness of the central landmass, covering over 14 million square kilometers, was home to a single country.
With over 300 million inhabitants, the Papal Empire stood as the largest and most populous country of the era. Owing to their strict policies against the Demon Races, even those eager to make profits like the Merchants of the Même never considered expanding their businesses into the central lands. The comfortable lives of the Demon Kings were possible only because the Papal Empire lacked territory in the West, limiting its influence there. Lucifer informed the other four Demon Kings: "The Papal Empire has considered expanding into the West, but with two powerful neighbors close by, they refrain from doing so easily."
Leviathan understood Lucifer's implications, yet his stance remained unaltered: "We dislike the Papal Empire but prefer not to engage directly. Since they cannot reach the Western lands, we shall continue living here." "Do you think that the paradise untouched by the gods will endure forever?" Lucifer's cold voice resonated, focusing on the lights flickering from east to west. "As you've seen, the conflict between Inran and Dibiles disrupts the existing balance; with these two great nations at war, the Papal Empire will undoubtedly make a move..."
Belfang inserted his speculation at this moment: "'Sin of Pride', are you suggesting that Dibiles is about to be defeated with its territories annexed by Inran? And the Papal Empire will seize the opportunity to absorb Dibiles' vassal states, solidifying its position in the West?" "Like a fool!" That was Lucifer's sole response to Belfang. After addressing him without emotion, Lucifer made a prophecy about the ensuing war. "Regardless of Dibiles' fate, due to this conflict, Inran will be nominally absorbed by the Papal Empire, adding the prefix 'Holy' to its name; Inran's territories in the West will be affected to varying degrees. At that time, the Papal lapdogs will extend their reach to this region."
"Wouldn't it be Inran instead of Dibiles that suffers?" Même found this outcome intriguing. "Wait, how did you arrive at this conclusion?" Lucia stayed calm, not surprised by the outcome but was keen on understanding Lucifer's reasoning behind this conclusion.
"Through calculations!" Lucifer turned without looking back, his tone colder than before, lacking patience for further explanations. "My calculations have never faltered; my words are more reliable than prophecies! During the last meeting, I mentioned Dibiles and Inran going to war. Didn't you all doubt me back then?" Lucia wasn't part of the last meeting; thus, the "you all" didn't include her.
The other three Demon Kings held respect for Lucifer's accurate predictions. As it wasn't the first time he successfully foretold events, they couldn't disregard his conclusions as mere jest. Lucifer pointed towards a future where the Papal Empire's influence would extend to the Western lands shortly; if this came to pass, the leisurely days of the Demon Kings would come to an end, and they couldn't remain idle anymore.
Cups containing beverages were placed on the table by large hands, prompting the three Demon Kings to raise their hands, clasping them under their chins in a serious tone, expressing their commitment to Lucifer: "When the time comes... we will stand by your side." "We have no intention of conflict with humans, but those affiliated with the Church are exceptions." Lucia, who hadn’t yet revealed her stance, faced the same question and answered as expected: "I won't follow you or do anything for you. There are individuals in this world I want to help, but they are vastly different from you!"
"No matter." Lucifer wasn't surprised by Lucia's response and had no intention of forcing her. After retracting his powers, Lucifer moved towards the exit of the room. "One of you may disregard me, but for the remaining three, I hope that when my prophecy comes true, you will keep the promises made today." With those words, the figure disappeared, leaving only the lingering oppressive feeling as evidence of his presence.
The three Demon Kings were relieved that the detested figure had departed, while Lucia attempted to recollect if she had ever encountered him before. Ignoring the events indoors, the attention shifted outdoors, where cloaked figures, finally led by their leader, had congregated.
"How did the discussion go?" A seductive female voice emerged from the group. Lucifer addressed the owner of the voice: "It's done, and I did manage to secure the commitments of most Demon Kings present." "Most? So, who among them didn't even show you respect?" A sarcastic tone accompanied the voice of a young boy. "Pipe down, you faux imp; I wasn't speaking to you just now." In the moment of Lucifer's displeasure, a plump figure emerged from the crowd, advocating for harmony among allies. "We are all comrades; let us not dispute, harmony is crucial."
"Why intervene? Watching two powerhouses clash wouldn't be fun? I'm starting to feel fired up." The petite male crossed his arms behind his head, flexing his muscles. "Intervening is necessary; the imp shouldn't speak to the leader like that. After all, we are merely subordinates." The kindly old man maintained his principle of speaking up for the higher-ranking individual.
"Did you misunderstand something? I have no intention of fighting this faux imp; I just want him not to disrupt conversations in the future." After the clarification, Lucifer assigned tasks to his subordinates present, the main reason why the six had accompanied him thus far. Among the thirteen members of "God's Revolt," only the leader and six subordinates were present, signifying half of their team had arrived. Half were sufficient to complete the current tasks!
