The Demon Army was stagnant—most likely trying to restrategize while wrapping their heads around the new situation.

That bought me enough time for a little chit-chat with my four Familiars.

“I’ve missed you guys.”

Of all the Familiars in my possession, they were still the most talkative.

The rest simply preferred to communicate with each other or laze around unless needed. Kahn and I often communicated, but that was simply business.

“We missed you too, Jared!”

“But we also had fun!”

“Yep! Exploring the world was fun.”

“Indeed!”

Blue. Red. Green. Ashen.

These four Wisps were my first Familiars, so of course, they would have a special spot in my heart. However… now wasn’t the time for sentimental nonsense.

“You didn’t answer my question, though. Why are you taking a ball form?”

The material I used to construct their bodies allowed them to change form by infusing it with Mana.

In essence, their bodies could be whatever they desired.

So… why a ball? With my great intellect, I couldn’t understand it.

“We thought it would look cooler if we were like, hovering around Gawain.”

“Couldn’t Gawain just summon some balls himself?”

“N-no! We wanted to do it ourselves. We wanted to be the balls!”

I felt like the conversation was heading in a strange direction, and I wasn’t ready to enter that territory just yet.

“Huu…” With a sharp exhalation, I brought the conversation to a close.

“Did you obtain what I asked, though?”

I know I had asked Gawain the same question, but they were the ones who were supervising the Automaton.

So, of course, I would have them take responsibility.

“Don’t worry, Master, everything is ready!”

“Just as you wanted!”

“Just give the signal!”

“Anytime!”

It pleased me to hear that they succeeded.

Sure, constant communication was being done between them and me, but we got busy on both ends, so I hadn’t spoken to them in a while.

So many things could happen within that short period.

“You did your tasks well. I will surely reward your actions.” I spoke to the four hovering balls, as well as the Automaton who was still kneeling.

“Hehehehe!” The silly four laughed.

But, my Automaton had a different reaction.

“I am not worthy of your praise. It is only natural I do so, for I am yours.”

It felt a little weird, especially because I was sort of the one who designed Gawain that way.

Perhaps I could change its program to be a bit more flexible? No, it was better this way.

A perfect weapon meant that it was supposed to be good at especially one thing… combat!

“Rise, Gawain. You guys too. Take your positions till I give the signal.”

“Yes, boss!”

“Understood!”

“I’ll tell you all about our adventures later.”

“Later, then!”

As the balls resumed their routine of dancing around the platinum-armored being, the latter bowed and vanished in response to my order.

Instantly warping to the sky, it remained stationary, simply gazing at the Demon Army.

I felt a warmth in my heart while watching his glistening figure and perfect response features.

‘It took me fifty years to complete that baby. I’m so proud of you…’ I could feel tears of pride welling up in my eyes.

“Jared, what was that all about? Who, or rather, what, is that?”

Serah was the first to speak, but everyone else also flooded me with questions.

Even Neron, who was listening in rang inquisitions in my ear.

“It’s my Automaton—relax.” Was my response.

The four Wisps inhabited Artificial Bodies, while the Platinum Armored dude was a creation of mine.

There was nothing to be worried about—though I knew worry was the least of their motivation.

“Jared Leonard, that Automaton is exquisite—no, exceptional. Please, after this is all over, make me your apprentice!”

“M-me too!”

Bradford and the Dwarf Chief both bowed as they spoke with passion.

“A-ah…?”

The flurry of praise and comments was more than I bargained for.

As much as I liked the attention my creation garnered, it was too suffocating to answer everyone at once.

Especially because—

“HOW DARE YOUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!”

—The Demons were watching too.

“YOU DARE… WHEN FACING THE MIGHTY DEMON ARMY… YOU DARE TO MAKE HEARTY CONVERSATION LIKE THAT…”

The one who spoke in a fit of rage was none other than Prince Abellion.

“I guess he’s King now, right Kahn?”

The lurking Shadow Demon appeared on my shoulder in a miniature misty form and nodded.

“Yeah. The Generals also seem to be here… except two.”

“Then, that’s just as planned.”

“Indeed, my Lord.”

Kahn’s misty form lingered for a while longer, and I knew why.

“Don’t worry. I haven’t forgotten our agreement.”

“Forgive me, Master. It’s just… with such tension in the air… I can feel my entire being pulsating.”

I understood his emotions. Demons were creatures of violence, after all.

‘Don’t worry, Kahn. I intend to make you achieve what you desire. It will be advantageous for me too.’

With that, the Shadow Demon vanished and returned to his designated Core.

“Alright, then.” I returned my gaze to the Demon King who kept spouting angry words at our joint army.

“WHO IS IT THAT KILLED THE DEMON LORD, LYDIA? BRING THAT PERSON FORWARD, AND I WILL GUARANTEE THAT YOU WILL ALL DIE EASY DEATHS.”

I didn’t know if he was simply spouting those words of his to stall for time while his army changed formation, or if he was simply mad at us for that.

‘It could be both, who knows?’

Either way, it didn’t matter. Ana was the one who killed Lydia, and she wasn’t even present.

I could presume that she, alongside everyone on Neron’s end, was assisting in rounding up the filth within the Eastern Kingdom.

Once this war was over, I could look forward to a safer place to call home.

‘Yeah. This war… should be over.’

“YOU HEARD ME, FILTHY MONGRELS!” Abellion’s voice was loud and powerful, and it was also beginning to get annoying.

“That’s enough.” I declared, rising to the air.

“You Demons seem to be misunderstanding two things.”

Now that we were reaching the final chapter of our little game, there was no harm in revealing their mistaken notion.