I, the “Clock User”, Was Kicked Out of the Craftsmen’s Guild for Being Incompetent, but at the Dungeon’s Depths, I Awakened My True Power – Even Though I Was Told to Return Because They Couldn’t Handle the Work, It’s Too Late Now, and I Will Live Freely as an SSS-class Adventurer V11C3

     Translated by Hamster

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### Volume 11: The Eastern Frontier

**03: Facing the Demon King's Army**

The suspicious attitude of the priest was a common concern among Cyclo's group.

Thus, they remained on high alert during their overnight stay at the fortress, but nothing happened, and they welcomed the next day without incident.

Safely departing from the fortress, Cyclo and his group set out towards where the Demon King's army was holding the line. The distance between the kingdom's front line and the Demon King's was not great.

Therefore, they soon approached the Demon King's army's front line.

"---Who are you?"

Emerging from the Demon King's line was a demon man with a spear, his skin purple but otherwise resembling the human race of Heinburg.

He seemed to be on high alert, perhaps sensing the strength of Cyclo's group. Given his power, which Cyclo could gauge with 'Clock Detection' and the palpable strength of his magic, he was considered to be above an S-rank adventurer.

His equipment, though well-used, was of high quality, leading Cyclo to infer that this demon was likely an equivalent to a commander.

"---I am Cyclo Owen, an adventurer from the Heinburg Kingdom, here as an envoy for peace negotiations, seeking entry into the Lustgard Empire."

Upon Cyclo's introduction, the demon man relaxed his guard slightly and spoke.

"I see. So you're Cyclo Owen, mentioned by the Demon King."

"...Looks like the message got through?"

"Indeed. Otherwise, we'd have attacked without question."

The demon man's words made sense.

"I'll guide you to the Demon King's Castle. I am Baal Zephon of the Demon King's Army."

The demon man, Baal, extended his hand for a handshake.

"Pleased to meet you."

Cyclo responded by shaking his hand.

Meanwhile, someone was watching Cyclo's group through a long-distance magical device.

"...It seems they are seriously heading for peace negotiations."

Moreover, they were talking amiably with the demon, said the priest who had also met with Cyclo's group at the fortress, with a tone full of resentment.

"What should we do?"

This question came from the substitute for Raven.

"There's nothing to do. Since they refused our ultimatum... to annihilate the demons, we just follow His Eminence's orders."

Saying this, the priest looked towards an artifact placed in one corner of the room—the sealing artifact of the god-age beast 'Behemoth'.

"We'll release 'the shadow'. We'll evacuate from the fortress. Let's say it's for reporting that Baron Owen outright rejected our demands."

As the priest stood up, a masked figure appeared from nowhere and took the 'Behemoth' sealing artifact.

"Go. Bring judgment upon those who deny the future of humanity."

The masked figure nodded at the priest's command and vanished once more.

On the other hand, Cyclo's group followed Baal's guidance, crossing the Demon King's line and joining the waiting demon army.

"I'd like to guide you immediately, but the replacement for the front-line commander hasn't arrived yet. Until then, you'll have to stay with us here."

"We need some space to set up our camping equipment. Could we have a spot, even if it's a bit away?"

"Having you out of sight would be troublesome. We'll dismantle some tents around the command center to make room."

"Sorry, thank you."

Cyclo discussed their plans up to departure while following Baal.

They negotiated for space because deploying the Fafnir would allow them comfortable camping.

Then, a demon who looked like a messenger approached.

"Lord Zephon! A report from the front line! There's someone in scout-like gear from the kingdom's side rapidly approaching us! They'll soon reach our interception line!"

"...Tch. Annoying."

Baal clicked his tongue and turned to Cyclo's group.

"Sorry, but you'll have to retreat. We can't allow your independent movement yet."

"No objections here. Besides, it might be someone coming for us."

Baal looked puzzled at Cyclo's words.

"There are people who'd be troubled if we succeed in peace negotiations."

"I see."

With that, Baal also understood.

Thus, Cyclo's group returned to the front line with Baal. There, they saw a figure equipped like a scout, holding what looked like a magical device emitting an unusual magical power.

It was clear to Cyclo's group, who had seen the soldiers' gear at the fortress, that this was not kingdom equipment.

"You're from the church, aren't you!? What's your intention!!"

Cyclo called out to the figure. There was no response, only a grin before the figure spoke.

"---Cyclo Owen!! I shall judge you as a traitor to humanity!! With your soul, I will purify and cleanse the evil god-age beast 'Behemoth'!!"

With this declaration, the figure, who seemed to be an agent of the church, poured their magic into the device-like object.

The device absorbed magic power without limit—eventually starting to draw it out from the surrounding space, creating a vortex of magic around it.

Soon after, the figure, drained of their magic, collapsed on the spot.

However, the device continued to absorb magic.

"What in the...!?"

Everyone in the Demon King's army was thrown into confusion by the sudden event.

"Retreat! Don't let it absorb your magic!!"

But Baal immediately gave orders, leading the army to fall back, away from the vortex of magic.

Meanwhile, Baal stayed with Cyclo's group to observe the device.

"Baal, don't you need to retreat?"

"Hmph. It might be tough for the grunts, but for those with skill, basic magic manipulation can resist it."

Saying this, Baal gave Cyclo a sharp look.

"You're partly responsible for this trouble. Naturally, you'll help us no matter what happens."

"Of course. Honestly, I plan to retaliate against the church no matter what happens."

Upon seeing Cyclo nod, Baal turned his gaze back to the device.

And then—finally, a change occurred in the device.

It cracked with a snapping sound.

The crack grew larger, eventually expanding beyond the size of the device, as if tearing the very space apart.

This spread across the ground, and when it reached dozens of meters wide, 'it' appeared.

"---What is that?"

Baal inadvertently voiced his surprise, and Cyclo felt the same.

After all, from the torn space emerged a monster so massive it seemed like a mountain.

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