I'm Actually Not Overpowered!

Sure, I had my suspicions that the ten Mid-Demons weren't the only ones involved in the invasion on Dulum.

I thought that perhaps some bigwig was calling the shots. I didn't understand the reason why, though… at least not until after seeing the resources buried under Dulum.

It then became crystal clear —this city had value!

Some hotshot probably used a Divining Orb and found this spot. Yes, that had to be the only explanation.

For one, if it was a major power in the Demon Realm—say, a Duke—the army would be a lot more impressive, whether it was against a human civilization or not.

They would have definitely sent more competent people.

That was why I assumed the bad guys were probably some folks who couldn't afford to do any better.

At this point, though, I realized how dumb that logic was.

After all… the true mastermind turned out to be one of the greatest menaces in this world—Demon Lord Valefor himself!

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>BOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMM!!!<

Several beasts poured out of Valefor's portal. They were humongous, horrendous creatures, having massive bodies.

Compared to the Labyrinth monsters, these were the cream of the crop.

Massive carnivorous worms, terrifying demon beasts, and even several Hydras.

'One of the smaller versions of the Hydra here was the Final Boss of the Great Helios Labyrinth… this is unbelievable!'

The monsters numbered only a thousand, yet their might was enough to make my own army look like fodder.

I was still in shock, wondering what to do next with the emergence of these nerve-wracking forces, when I heard the damning voice of my foe.

"I believe these should be adequate to create an interesting battle, don't you think? Now, then… shall we begin?"

'No… no wait!'

"Destroy them all."

>WHOOOOOSSSSHHHH<

In an instant, the massive beasts lunged at my army—both the Golems and monsters—tearing them apart in a flash.

'No! Shit!'

I wasn't particularly concerned about the well being of any of my foot soldiers anymore. No, there was something more far more important that would occur as a consequence of their demise!

'If they kill all the soldiers, their next target will be the humans in Dulum!'

I had to prevent that at all costs.

However—!!!

"I certainly hope you have not forgotten about me." The Demon Lord, Valefor stared coldly at me.

I was completely dumbstruck.

With every second I wasted, my soldiers were dying. However, deciding on the wisest course of action, in this dire circumstance was difficult.

'I have to hurry… fast!'

There was no time to think very hard. I had to quickly come up with a quick strategy that ensured I prevented the utter demise of my army, while also focusing on the prime antagonist here.

'Looks like I have to reduce the number of monsters he summoned. That's the best, first step!'

Using Inventory, I summoned several Mana Bombs and launched them in multiple directions.

"What's that contraption?" Valefor asked, watching as the orbs lunged in multiple directions—toward his enemies.

'Ah, right. Demons would rather not use Mana Bombs since the damage caused by it doesn't add to their EXP. They never developed it too, because it seemed primitive to them.'

As a result, I had an edge.

>BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMM!!!!<

As planned, the Mana Bombs worked wonders, and many of the summoned monsters died. Still, their deaths did not do much to improve our odds, as there were still many more monsters left.

Beads of perspiration formed on my face, as I got even more desperate.

"Ah, I see. An explosion. I can't allow that, now can I?"

I felt the Miasma from Demon Lord Valefor rise, but before I could even react…

"Ah, shi—"

… He teleported right in the blink of an eye and shoved a purple blast into me.

>BOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMM!!!<

Instantly, I rapidly descended to the ground. The blast nearly made me lose consciousness, and the damage was substantial, despite the fact that I was supposed to be protected by my Crystal.

>K-KRIKKKAAAA<

The crystal shattered instantly, and I found myself in the worst situation ever.

>WHUSH<

Valefor suddenly appeared directly overhead, gazing down on me coldly.

"Nice barrier. It seems one wasn't enough." The Demon Lord stretched out his hand, sending another blast my way.

This time, things were going to get fatal. As such, I had no choice but to use all the Skills at my disposal… just to survive.

>BOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMM!!!<

I crashed to the ground, creating a massive crater upon my descent.

"Gark!" I found myself coughing out blood, feeling my entire body sizzling from the mighty blast.

Fortunately, it wasn't fatal.

"Oh? A draconic form. Interesting…" The being floating above me commented.

He was in his base state, yet the demon was pushing me this far, quite easily.

'I'll have to cancel the [Domination] effect I have on the monsters now. There's no point since they're worthless now.'

I needed to be able to utilize all of my Mana, while resorting to my Mana Batteries when I required them.

'This will take everything out of me!'

The reason why I was so cautious and pessimistic about my situation wasn't solely due to my opponent's title, or his infamy in the novel.

No, it was because of something I was seeing right before my eyes.

'Demon Lord Valefor… Level 250.'

He was far stronger than me!

*****************

The Demon Generals—at least the ones who survived and were conscious—were immensely grateful that they had not surrendered.

It seemed Pierrus was spot-on concerning his decision. His instincts had been right, after all.

"Whew! Thank goodness…" Kiko heaved a sigh of relief.

"If he hadn't killed your Dragon, would you have joined him?" The utilitarian beside her asked suspiciously.

"W-what? No wayy! All hail the Demon Race!" She sharply responded.

Truthfully, she had considered joining the human. If he had applied more pressure, she would probably have changed her initial stance.

However, seeing that same intimidating figure get schooled by their leader, Kiko was grateful for not being so impatient.

"It seems the battle is as good as done." Heshu murmured, noting how the tides had turned in their favor.

"Did you predict this would happen? Is that why you didn't surrender.?" Pierrus asked the de-facto leader.

"Not at all. I just thought it would be my lot to die against a stronger foe. That's all."